International Mother Language Day is celebrated annually on February 21 worldwide to raise awareness of the diversity of the language and its variety. This day promotes awareness of language and cultural diversity across the world. On November 17, 1999, it was first announced by UNESCO. International Mother Language Day is a national holiday in Bangladesh.
UNESCO chooses a theme for each International Mother Language Day and sponsors related events at its Paris headquarters. In 2008, the International Year of Languages began on International Mother Language Day. It is celebrated in Chile, Russia, the Philippines, Egypt, and Canada.
Theme of International Mother Language Day 2024: Multilingual education: a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning
Multilingual and multicultural societies thrive through the preservation of their languages, which serve as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. However, linguistic diversity faces increasing threats as more languages vanish. Currently, 40% of the global population lacks access to education in their native language, a figure that exceeds 90% in certain regions. The research underscores the benefits of using learners’ native languages in education, fostering better learning outcomes, self-esteem, and critical thinking skills. This approach also supports intergenerational learning and cultural preservation.
International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, underscores the role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Multilingual education policies, highlighted in the 2024 theme “Multilingual education: a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” are crucial for inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages. By starting education in the learner’s mother tongue and gradually introducing other languages, barriers between home and school are bridged, facilitating effective learning.
Multilingual education not only promotes inclusive societies but also aids in preserving non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages. It is a cornerstone for achieving equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals.
How does Bangladesh celebrate it?
Bangladeshis celebrate International Mother Language Day by placing flowers at the Martyrs’ Monument and its replicas. A public holiday in the country since 1953, it is also known as Shohid Dibôsh (Martyr Day). On November 17, 1999, the UNESCO General Conference recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day.
Bangladeshis organize social gatherings honouring their language and culture, hold literary competitions, draw alpana on the roads, eat festive meals, and listen to songs. Bangla Academy arranges the Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka for the whole month of February.
How is International Mother Language Day celebrated?
Canada
International Mother Language Day was introduced to the Parliament of Canada for recognition by Matthew Kellway on February 5, 2014, as a private member’s bill, C-573; however, it was never debated and failed to become law.
India
As part of the Digital India initiative, digitized content will be made available in the country’s 22 scheduled languages and extended to India’s other 234 recognized languages. Digitization began in June 2016 through the Bharatavani Project at the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysore, and by February 2017, content in 60 Indian languages had been made available free of charge.
United States
The Mother Tongue Film Festival in Washington, D.C., has been held since 2017 to coincide with Mother’s Day.
United Kingdom
A replica of Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar was built in London in 1999 in Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel. Members of the community come here to mark International Mother Language Day by laying wreaths and singing revolutionary songs.
International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on February 21st, is a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of languages that adorn our world, akin to the vibrant hues of a rangoli adorning a doorstep. This day, steeped in cultural significance, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the languages that are the very essence of our identities, much like the myriad spices that flavour our cuisine.
How does India celebrate it?
In India, where diversity is not just a concept but a way of life, International Mother Language Day resonates deeply with the concept of “unity in diversity.” From the rhythmic beats of the dholak in Punjab to the melodious strains of the sitar in Rajasthan, India’s linguistic landscape is as diverse as it is enchanting. This day serves as a gentle reminder to cherish and safeguard the linguistic heritage that is the soul of our nation, much like the sacred thread that binds a family together.
As the digital age opens new avenues for communication, initiatives such as the Bharatavani Project in Mysore stand as beacons of hope, ensuring that every language, from widely spoken Hindi to the lesser-known Khasi, finds its rightful place in the digital realm.
Just as a kolam adorns the threshold of a home, welcoming all who enter, these efforts embrace linguistic diversity with open arms, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity for all.
On this day, as we come together to celebrate the different languages that paint our world, let us heed the wisdom of our ancestors, who recognized the inherent beauty in linguistic diversity.
Just as a thali is incomplete without its desserts, our world would be dull indeed without the many languages that colour our conversations and shape our cultures.
FAQs-
Why is International Mother Language Day celebrated?
Multilingual and multicultural societies thrive through the preservation of their languages, which serve as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
What is the theme of International Mother Language Day 2024?
The theme of International Mother Language Day 2024 is Multilingual Education: A Pillar of Learning and Intergenerational Learning.
What was the theme of International Mother Language Day in 2023?
The theme of International Mother Language Day in 2023 was multilingual education—a necessity to transform education.
What is the world’s first language?
Historians and linguists generally agree that Sumerian, Akkadian, and Egyptian are the oldest languages with a clear written record.
Is Tamil the first language in the world?
The Tamil language is recognized as the oldest language in the world, and it is the oldest language of the Dravidian family. This language had a presence even around 5,000 years ago. According to a survey, 1863 newspapers are published in the Tamil language only every day.
What is the first language in the world today?
The oldest languages still spoken today are Tamil, Sanskrit, Greek, Hebrew, Chinese, Arabic, Coptic Egyptian, Aramaic, and Persian.
What’s the mother language?
Mother tongue refers to the first language learned at home in childhood and still understood by the person at the time the data was collected. If the person no longer understands the first language learned, the mother tongue is the second language learned.