Language Matters

DESIGN 21 just announced the winners of their Languages Matter! poster competition:

As the world continues to metaphorically shrink, so too does the global language pool. It is estimated that in a few generations, more than half of the nearly 7,000 known languages spoken around the world will disappear--taking along with it an unwritten account of a history, tradition and culture. In an effort to safeguard native languages and promote linguistic diversity, DESIGN 21: Social Design Network--an online platform founded by Felissimo and UNESCO to promote better design for the greater good--is proud to announce the winners of its latest competition. Developed by DESIGN 21 to help UNESCO raise awareness among designers about the importance of multilingualism, Languages Matter! is a contest that called on its international base of 18,000 members to design the official poster for International Mother Language Day on February 21st, 2009.

Overall winner: Anna Notara Koutroumpaki "Mother Language Must Live" Greece
























D21 JUDGE'S PICK (Jacques Lange): Jonathan Schute "50% Matters!" United States

























D21 JUDGE'S PICK (Omar Vulpinari): Vito Bica "Mother and Tongues" Germany
























See more entries and learn more about the competition HERE.