International Mother Language Day 2024: Date, history and significance

International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21 (Image credit: UNICEF)

International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21. Established12 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the aim of this day is multifold – firstly to protect and celebrate the world’s linguistic heritage, then to promote cultural and linguistic diversity, and also to create awareness about preserving traditional cultures and languages. Here is all you need to know about International Mother Language Day:

Date

International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21 every year.

The date February 21 was chosen to commemorate the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh, when students and activists protested against the imposition of Urdu as the sole official language. The movement took place when Bangladesh was a province of Pakistan and its people fought for the recognition of their Bengali language.

History

The initiative to celebrate International Mother Language Day was taken by Bangladesh. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.

In 1952, students and activists in Dhaka (the capital of East Pakistan, now the capital of Bangladesh) organised a protest against the imposition of Urdu as the only official language. The peaceful demonstration turned tragic when the police opened fire on the protesters, resulting in several deaths. The sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the language movement became a symbol of the struggle for linguistic and cultural rights.

It was in recognition of the significance of the Bengali Language Movement that UNESCO declared February 21st as International Mother Language Day in 1999. Since then, this day has been celebrated to encourage the use of mother languages as a tool to preserve and transmit culture.

Significance and celebration

The significance of International Mother Language Day encompasses several aspects like promoting linguistic and cultural diversity, encouraging multilingualism and inclusive education, preserving endangered languages etc.

According to the United Nations, linguistic diversity faces increasing threats as more languages vanish. Currently, 40% of the global population lacks access to education in their native language. In certain regions, the figure is as high as 90%.

The theme for International Mother Language Day 2024 is “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning.” The theme encourages 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,” notes the UN.