Celebrate linguistic diversity with International Mother Language Day on Feb 21. Learn about the significance and 2023 theme of multilingual education.
International Mother Language Day: Celebrating Linguistic and Cultural Diversity
International Mother Language Day is an annual observance celebrated on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism across the globe. The event aims to preserve traditional knowledge and cultures through sustainable methods and support multilingualism in societies.
History and Significance: The Story behind International Mother Language Day
The celebration of International Mother Language Day was first recognized on the initiative of Bangladesh and approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999. Since the year 2000, the event has been observed globally.
The significance of this day is rooted in the concern expressed by UNESCO over the disappearance of languages. Approximately 40 per cent of the world's population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. Therefore, to emphasize the importance of the mother language (or mother tongue), especially in education and learning, UNESCO decided to observe this day as a step towards the development of mother languages in public life.
In India, more than 19,500 languages or dialects are spoken, according to census data. Over 121 languages are spoken by 10,000 or more people in India, which underscores the importance of promoting mother tongues in the national context.
This year's theme: Multilingual Education - A Necessity to Transform Education
The 24th edition of International Mother Language Day will be celebrated around the theme of "Multilingual Education - A Necessity to Transform Education." Multilingual education based on the mother tongue is critical to facilitate access to and inclusion in learning for population groups that speak non-dominant languages. UNESCO aims to explore the potential of multilingualism in transforming education and supporting learning through multilingual education and multilingualism in our fast-changing global contexts, including crisis situations.
Conclusion
International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. This event encourages us to value our mother languages and use them as a means of promoting inclusion, education, and intercultural communication. By celebrating this day, we honour the richness of our linguistic heritage and recognize the critical role of multilingualism in creating a more peaceful and connected world.
