International Mother Language Day 2023: History, Significance, and all you need to know about this day

International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21 every year. This day is recognized by the United Nations to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism around the world. Here is all you need to know about this day:

History:

International Mother Language Day was first proposed by Bangladesh at the 30th session of UNESCO's General Conference in November 1999. The proposal was unanimously accepted by all member states of UNESCO, and the day was first observed in 2000.

The significance of the day:

International Mother Language Day is significant because it celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity and promotes multilingualism. It recognizes the importance of the mother tongue as the first step towards learning and preserving cultural heritage. The day also highlights the importance of preserving and promoting endangered languages, which are an important part of the world's cultural diversity.

Celebrations:

On this day, various events and activities are organized by governments, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions worldwide. These events include cultural performances, exhibitions, language-learning programs, and seminars on language-related issues. The theme of International Mother Language Day changes every year, and various events are organized around the theme.

The theme for International Mother Language Day 2023 has not yet been announced. However, the theme for International Mother Language Day 2022 was "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society."

Importance of preserving endangered languages:

According to UNESCO, over 6,000 languages are spoken worldwide, and around 43% of these are endangered. Preserving endangered languages is important because they are an important part of the world's cultural heritage. Endangered languages also contain valuable knowledge about traditional practices, beliefs, and customs, which can be lost forever if the language becomes extinct.

In conclusion, International Mother Language Day is a significant day that celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity and promotes multilingualism. The day is an opportunity to recognize the importance of preserving and promoting endangered languages and to raise awareness about language-related issues.