Every year on February 21, the globe observes International Mother Language Day to encourage multilingualism and linguistic diversity. The concept of celebrating International Mother Language Day was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999.
The day, which has been celebrated internationally since 1999, was introduced on the recommendation of Bangladesh, according to the UNESCO website. Diversity in culture and language is essential for stable communities. The historical language movement and the martyrs who lost their life in Bangladesh in 1952 were honoured and commemorated on this day. This day is extensively recognized and celebrated and is often referred to as "Matribhasha Diwas."
International Mother Language Day: History
The Indian subcontinent was divided into two distinct nations upon India's independence from the British in 1947: an independent India as a Hindu state and a separate Muslim state (East Pakistan and West Pakistan). After this, a linguistic and cultural conflict broke out between West Pakistan, now known as Pakistan, and East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh. Once Pakistan's government made Urdu its official language in 1948, tensions grew. This government action led to multiple violent riots in East Pakistan, where Bengali is the primary language.
Four university students were murdered when the police opened fire on the crowd during a demonstration that was organized by a small group of University of Dhaka students and numerous activists on February 21, 1952.
On International Mother Language Day, we honour these students' martyrdom for fighting for the recognition of Bengali as their mother tongue.
International Mother Language Day was first observed in Bangladesh and was approved by the UNESCO General Assembly in 1999. After that, the day has been celebrated all over the world since 2000. High indications of language loss worldwide were provided by UNESCO. Hence, UNESCO decided to observe this day as a day to recognize the importance of the mother language.
Importance of International Mother Language Day
Language diversity is in danger. The number of languages has significantly decreased over time. Some species are already extinct. 40% of people throughout the world do not have access to education in their language. Yet, there is a growing need for bilingual education, especially in early childhood education. This will strengthen pledges to the improvement of public life.
Theme of International Mother Language Day
The theme of the International Mother Language Day in 2023 is "Multilingual education - a necessity to transform education," according to UNESCO. Mother-tongue-based multilingual education makes it easier for population groups that speak non-dominant languages, languages of minority groups, and indigenous languages to acquire education and be included in it.
