International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21. This global event, proclaimed by UNESCO, promotes linguistic and cultural diversity while advocating for the preservation of all languages spoken across the world. It emphasizes that a person’s first language is a vital part of their identity and a fundamental tool for education and communication. The observance serves as a reminder that approximately 40% of the world’s population lacks access to education in a language they speak or understand, highlighting the urgent need for multilingual inclusion in schools and public life.

History of International Mother Language Day

The roots of this observance trace back to the Language Movement in East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh. In 1948, the government declared Urdu as the sole national language, despite the fact that the majority of the population spoke Bangla. This decision sparked widespread protests as citizens fought for the recognition of their native tongue. On February 21, 1952, the situation escalated when police opened fire on a student demonstration at the University of Dhaka. Several students and activists were killed, becoming martyrs for their right to speak and learn in their mother language.

The initiative to turn this tragic anniversary into an international day was proposed by a group of Bangladeshis living in Canada, led by Rafiqul Islam. They wrote to the United Nations in 1998, suggesting a day to save the world’s languages from extinction. The proposal was formally submitted by the Government of Bangladesh and unanimously approved by the UNESCO General Conference in November 1999. The first official worldwide celebration took place in 2000, honoring those who sacrificed their lives in 1952 while drawing attention to the thousands of languages currently at risk of disappearing. ¹

Why is International Mother Language Day important?

Languages are the most powerful instruments for preserving and developing the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity. When a language dies, the unique traditions, oral histories, and specific ways of thinking associated with that culture are lost forever. Currently, it is estimated that at least 43% of the world’s 6,000 to 7,000 languages are endangered. This day is critical for highlighting the link between linguistic diversity and sustainable development, as using a mother tongue in early education leads to better learning outcomes and higher self-esteem for children.

Promoting multilingualism also fosters tolerance and respect between different ethnic and cultural groups. In an increasingly globalized world, dominant languages often overshadow smaller ones, particularly in digital spaces where fewer than 100 languages are actively used. International Mother Language Day encourages governments to implement policies that support minority and indigenous languages. By protecting these linguistic footprints, the global community ensures that traditional knowledge, such as medicinal plant uses or ancestral farming techniques, is passed down to future generations.

• Research shows that children learn more effectively when taught in their first language.
• Around 2,400 of the world’s languages are currently considered vulnerable or endangered.
• Linguistic diversity is a key factor in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Many indigenous languages contain unique knowledge about local ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Only a tiny fraction of existing languages are represented in the digital and online world.

How to Celebrate International Mother Language Day

A meaningful way to celebrate is to spend time learning about the linguistic history of your own family and community. If you have a native language other than the dominant one in your region, take the opportunity to speak, read, or write in it throughout the day. You can also engage with local multiethnic festivals that showcase poetry, songs, and stories in various tongues. For those with children, reading a book in a mother language or teaching them traditional phrases helps keep the linguistic heritage alive in the household.

On a broader scale, you can support the day by advocating for inclusive language policies in local schools or libraries. Many organizations host seminars or film screenings that highlight the struggles of marginalized linguistic groups. Sharing a greeting or a fact about an endangered language on social media helps spread the message of the day to a wider audience. If you are a student or a lifelong learner, starting to learn a new language—especially a less common one—is a practical way to show commitment to global multilingualism.

• Read a poem or a short story in your native language to a friend or family member.
• Use social media to share the phrase “Happy International Mother Language Day” in different scripts.
• Attend a lecture or webinar focused on the preservation of indigenous or minority tongues.
• Visit a local cultural center to hear music or oral histories performed in various languages.
• Support authors and artists who create content in non-dominant or regional languages.

International Mother Language Day Dates Table

1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day[↩]