International Mother Language Day

February 21, Wednesday

International Mother Language Day is celebrated annually on February 21 and is dedicated to the protection of linguistic and cultural diversity around the world. This day was established by UNESCO in 1999 and is intended to draw attention to the importance of preserving mother tongues, especially those that are in danger of disappearing. It reminds everyone of the right to speak and learn their mother tongue, and that linguistic diversity is an integral part of the cultural heritage of humanity.

History and Origin
The date of February 21 was chosen in honor of the events that took place in 1952 in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). On this day, students and activists campaigned for the recognition of Bengali as an official language along with Urdu. During a demonstration in Dhaka, police opened fire on protesters, resulting in the deaths of several people. This tragic incident has become a symbol of the struggle for the right to speak one’s mother tongue.

Objectives of International Mother Language Day
Preservation of languages. One of the main goals of this day is to draw attention to the problem of the disappearance of languages. According to UNESCO, half of the approximately 7,000 existing languages are in danger of disappearing.

Promoting multilingualism. The day emphasizes the importance of multilingualism in education and intercultural communication. The opportunity to learn and use several languages contributes to cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Protection of linguistic rights. International Mother Language Day promotes the idea that everyone has the right to speak, learn and develop in their mother tongue. This is especially important for national minorities and indigenous peoples, whose languages are often in danger of disappearing.

Supporting linguistic diversity in education. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of using native languages in educational processes, since teaching in the mother tongue improves academic performance and promotes a deeper understanding of the material.

How is International Mother Language Day celebrated
Educational events. Schools and universities hold lectures, seminars and conferences devoted to multilingualism, language preservation and cultural diversity.

Cultural programs. Numerous cultural events, including concerts, poetry readings, and theatre performances, help to popularize and preserve native languages. They often involve representatives of national minorities and indigenous peoples.

Language courses and workshops. Free language courses and workshops on native languages are organized in many countries to preserve and popularize vulnerable languages.

Awareness campaigns. Information about the importance of linguistic diversity, the right to use one’s native language, and current issues related to the disappearance of languages is disseminated in the media and social networks.

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International Mother Language Day in other years

2021 February 21, Sunday
2022 February 21, Monday
2023 February 21, Tuesday
2025 February 21, Friday

International Mother Language Day in other countries