International Mother Language Day

There are about 6,500 languages in the world, but did you know that one language disappears and dies every two weeks? International Mother Language Day is celebrated annually on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity as well as multilingualism.

History of International Mother Language Day

The origin of International Mother Language Day has first came from Bangladesh. The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decided to designate February 21 as International Mother Language Day in November 1999.

The United Nations General Assembly (UN) in 2002 welcomed the decision. On 16 May 2007, the United Nations General Assembly called on Member States to promote the conservation and protection of all languages spoken by the peoples of the world by adopting a Resolution.

2008 was declared to be the International Year of Languages to promote unity in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism and multiculturalism by the general assembly.

On International Mother Language Day 2021, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu sent greetings in different Indian languages. “My greetings on International #MotherLanguageDay. Language diversity has always been one of the fundamental pillars of our civilization. Not only a means of communication, our native language but also connects us to our heritage and defines our socio-cultural identity,” the Vice President said on social media.

Importance of mother tongue in education

UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azouley, pointed out in a recent speech on International Mother Tongue Day that mother tongues 'shape millions of young developing minds'. She believes that children learn best in their mother tongue, and it is important for children to have this opportunity. Around the world, 40% of the population has no access to an education in a language they can understand or speak. Using certain languages can make it a lot easier or a lot harder to do well in life.

How to celebrate International Mother Language Day

• Listen and share our radio programs about Indigenous Rights.
• Study about the Sustainable Development Goals
• Listen to Indigenous languages in English and Spanish
• Experiencing Indigenous Language Support Culture through Sponsorship
• Find out about your country and your Indigenous Languages.
• Read our cultural survival issues quarterly as well as indigenous language revival and Community Radio's Role in Indigenous Language Promotion
• Search and download the Chunkay Android app to know Kichwa Kañari, one of Ecuador's native languages
• Welcome to the International Decade of Indigenous Languages
• Take part in the festival of the Mother Tongue Film in Washington D.C.
• Share a greeting in your mother language using the hashtag #motherlanguagesday #motherlanguage