February 21st, is International Mother Language Day, a worldwide celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity. It’s a day to appreciate the important role that our mother tongues play in our lives, and to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.
The day was first announced by UNESCO in 1999 and formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002. The date, February 21st, was chosen to commemorate the Language Movement in Bangladesh, where several students were killed in 1952 while protesting the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language.
This year’s theme for International Mother Language Day is “Multilingual education: a necessity to transform education.” This theme highlights the importance of using mother tongue education in the classroom to improve learning outcomes for all students.
According to UNESCO, multilingual education can:
- Improve academic achievement
- Promote cultural understanding
- Develop cognitive skills
- Foster critical thinking
- Enhance self-esteem
Here are some ways you can celebrate International Mother Language Day:
- Learn a few words in a new language.
- Read a book or poem in your mother tongue.
- Listen to music from around the world.
- Watch a movie in a foreign language.
- Attend a cultural event.
- Share your thoughts and experiences on social media using the hashtag #InternationalMotherLanguageDay.
Let’s all work together to promote linguistic diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn and use their mother tongue.
International Mother Language Day FAQ:
What is International Mother Language Day?
International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on February 21st, promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism around the world. It highlights the importance of mother tongues in shaping identities, transmitting knowledge, and fostering cultural understanding.
Why is it celebrated?
- To raise awareness of linguistic diversity and the potential threats facing many languages.
- To promote the inclusion of mother tongue education in educational systems.
- To celebrate the cultural richness and heritage embodied in different languages.
- To highlight the importance of multilingualism in education, communication, and understanding.
Who started it?
The initiative came from Bangladesh, commemorating the Language Movement of 1952 where students were killed protesting against the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language. UNESCO and the UN later adopted the day officially.
What is the theme for 2024?
“Multilingual education: a necessity to transform education.” This theme emphasizes the importance of mother tongue education for improving learning outcomes and inclusivity in educational systems.
How can I celebrate?
- Learn a few words in a new language.
- Read a book or poem in your mother tongue.
- Listen to music from different cultures.
- Watch a movie in a foreign language.
- Attend a cultural event celebrating language diversity.
- Share your thoughts and experiences on social media with #InternationalMotherLanguageDay.
- Advocate for policies supporting multilingual education and language preservation.
Additional facts:
- Around 6,500 languages exist globally, with many facing endangerment.
- Only a few hundred languages are used in education and public domains.
- Multilingualism enhances cognitive skills, promotes critical thinking, and fosters cultural understanding.
Resources:
- UNESCO: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/mother-language
- United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day
