An international panel on the current situation of the Kurdish language is being held at Koya university in the district of the same name in Hewler (Erbil) city.

Organized by the Kurdish Language Department of Koya University in cooperation with the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Language Commission, the panel is attended by several academicians, linguists, political party representatives and students.

Koya University Rector Dr. Weli Mehmud and KNK Co-chair Zeynep Murad made the opening speeches at the panel which is taking place on the International Mother Language Day.

Koya University President Dr. Wali M. Hamad spoke about the problems regarding the Kurdish language, saying, “Unfortunately, we could not pay enough attention to the Kurdish language. If the Kurdish language experts do not act quickly, the language will dwindle significantly. Currently, the use of foreign languages in the Kurdistan Region is more common than that of Kurdish. Foreign languages are given more importance in schools.”

Endorsing the Kurdish language is a “national and moral duty” and all Kurds should give priority to the Kurdish language in every aspect of life, Kurdistan National Congress Co-chair Zeynep Murad emphasized.

Many academics will present scientific papers during the ongoing panel.