History of International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day, observed on February 21, traces its roots back to Bangladesh’s Bengali Language Movement in 1952. The movement arose from Pakistan’s declaration of Urdu as the national language in 1948, sparking protests and unrest. On February 21, 1952, students in Dhaka protested for Bengali to be recognized as their mother language. Tragically, police opened fire, resulting in the deaths of several students. This event led to the recognition of Bengali as Pakistan’s second official language and later contributed to the independence of Bangladesh.
Significance of International Mother Language Day
Established by UNESCO in November 1999, International Mother Language Day aims to raise awareness about linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving languages, which are not only a means of communication but also repositories of cultural heritage and identity. It underscores the right of individuals to use their mother tongue and the need to protect minority and indigenous languages.
Theme of International Mother Language Day 2024
The theme for the 2024 edition of International Mother Language Day is “Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities.” This theme highlights the role of technology in advancing multilingual education and addressing the challenges faced in ensuring access to quality education in diverse linguistic contexts. It emphasizes leveraging technology to support teachers and learners in their quest for multilingual proficiency.
Celebrations of International Mother Language Day
UNESCO organizes various events and activities to celebrate International Mother Language Day. These events focus on enhancing awareness about linguistic diversity, promoting the use of mother tongues in education, and highlighting the importance of multilingualism. Governments and non-governmental organizations announce policies and initiatives to support language preservation and promote multilingual education. Schools and colleges organize activities to celebrate linguistic diversity and encourage students to learn multiple languages. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for language rights and the importance of safeguarding languages for future generations.