Mother tongue day
April 14, Monday
History of Georgian Language Day
Georgian Language Day was established to remember the events of April 14, 1978, when the Soviet government decided that the Russian language should become one of the official languages in Georgia. This decision triggered mass protests among the Georgian people, who took to the streets of Tbilisi to express their dissatisfaction. The protesters advocated for preserving Georgian as the state language. Due to public pressure, the Soviet Union was forced to cancel this decision. Since then, April 14 has become a symbol of the fight to preserve the native language and culture.
Goals and Objectives of the Holiday
The main goals of this holiday are as follows:
1. Supporting and promoting the use of the Georgian language: Georgian Language Day reminds us of the importance of maintaining and using the national language in society.
2. Preserving cultural identity: Language is an important part of cultural heritage, and this day highlights its role in national identity.
3. Awareness and education: An important goal is to increase awareness of the significance of language and culture for the youth and future generations.
How is Georgian Language Day Celebrated?
In Georgia, Georgian Language Day is celebrated with various events that draw attention to the importance of preserving the mother tongue and its role in the country’s cultural life. Here are some common ways the day is celebrated:
1. Lectures and Seminars: Educational institutions, such as schools and universities, hold events dedicated to the role of the Georgian language in the history and culture of Georgia.
2. Contests and Festivals: Various cities host contests on Georgian language knowledge, as well as festivals where songs and poems in Georgian are performed.
3. Cultural Events: On this day, exhibitions, theatrical performances, lectures, and public readings are organized, focusing on the history and significance of the Georgian language.
4. Social Media Campaigns: Online campaigns are held to increase interest in the Georgian language and culture. People share photos, quotes in Georgian, and participate in online quizzes and tests.
Importance of the Celebration
Georgian Language Day is an important event that reminds us of the struggle to preserve cultural identity and independence. This day emphasizes that language is not only a tool for communication but also an inseparable part of a nation’s history and culture. In the context of globalization and the spread of other languages such as English, Georgian Language Day becomes especially significant in reminding us of the need to preserve and develop our native language for future generations.
April 14, Georgian Language Day, not only celebrates the importance of this language but also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our culture and identity amidst external and internal threats. It is a day of respect and love for the Georgian language, which is a crucial part of national pride and heritage.