International Mother Language Day is a global observance declared by UNESCO in 1999 and is celebrated every year on February 21. Its purpose is to promote awareness and appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism.
UNESCO’s 16/C document from 1970 states:
“The mother language marks the path of human existence; through it, one enters society, builds the culture of the group to which they belong, and lays the foundation for the development of their intellectual abilities.”
The date February 21 was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the protests of students from the University of Dhaka of Bengali origin. These students confronted Pakistani police forces while protesting for their right to have Bengali recognized as an official language.
Since its declaration by UNESCO in 1999, International Mother Language Day has been observed worldwide every year through various events, including national and international initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting mother languages.
Language is an inseparable part of a nation’s identity, through which its spirit and culture are expressed. The development, preservation, and promotion of a language, as well as the way it is spoken and cherished, reflect the cultural values that prevail within a society.
Happy International Mother Language Day! Let’s preserve, promote, and cherish our language, as it is the reflection of our identity and culture! 🌍📚
