The Role of Mother Languages in Enhancing Fintech Accessibility for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Financial technology (fintech) plays a vital role in advancing financial inclusion and sustainable development in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. However, linguistic barriers often hinder access to these innovations, particularly in multilingual societies like Bangladesh and other emerging economies. This paper examines the interplay between mother languages and fintech, suggesting that incorporating native languages into f intech interfaces can bridge accessibility gaps, foster economic autonomy, and support broader developmental objectives. Utilizing international case studies on multilingual digital finance, this assessment examines how language adaptation enhances user comprehension, confidence, and adoption of fintech tools. The analysis addresses obstacles such as insufficient digital support for minority languages and suggests approaches for language normalization and conservation that align with sustainable development goals. By synthesizing scholarly literature and practical examples, the article emphasizes the imperative of linguistic equity in fintech to drive fair progress. In conclusion, it advocates for regulatory measures and tech innovations to embed mother languages in fintech frameworks centrally.

Mother Language, 2025; 9 (2): 143-167