Every year on February 21, the world celebrates International Mother Language Day, a day dedicated to promoting linguistic diversity, multilingual education, and the preservation of mother tongues. Established by UNESCO in 1999 and first observed in 2000, this annual event highlights the importance of languages in fostering cultural identity, social harmony, and sustainable development.
As we mark International Mother Language Day 2025, the theme for this year focuses on “Linguistic Diversity for Inclusive Education and Social Development”, emphasizing the role of native languages in creating equal opportunities for learning and societal growth.
The origins of International Mother Language Day trace back to the Bengali Language Movement in what is now Bangladesh. On February 21, 1952, students in Dhaka protested to demand recognition of Bengali as one of the official languages of Pakistan. Tragically, several students lost their lives in the struggle, but their sacrifice ultimately led to Bengali being recognized as an official language in 1956. In honor of their bravery and the broader importance of linguistic rights, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote language preservation worldwide.
Cultural Identity: Languages are not just tools for communication; they carry history, traditions, and unique ways of thinking. Losing a language means losing a part of a community’s heritage.
Educational Benefits: Studies show that children learn best in their mother tongue, making multilingual education essential for cognitive development and academic success.
Social Inclusion: Recognizing and respecting linguistic diversity ensures that all communities, including indigenous and minority groups, have equal access to opportunities.
Preserving Endangered Languages: The world is losing languages at an alarming rate. According to UNESCO, nearly 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of disappearing, with one language vanishing every two weeks.
Across the globe, International Mother Language Day 2025 will be marked with events promoting linguistic diversity and cultural pride. Some common activities include:
- Educational Conferences & Seminars: Scholars and educators discuss language policies and strategies to support multilingual education.
- Cultural Programs & Exhibitions: Poetry readings, folk songs, and storytelling sessions highlight the richness of different languages.
- Workshops & Language Learning Initiatives: Many organizations offer free language classes to encourage the learning of endangered languages.
International Mother Language Day 2025 reminds us of the power of language in shaping our identities and connecting communities. By promoting linguistic diversity, we ensure a more inclusive and culturally rich world for future generations. Whether by speaking, teaching, or learning a mother tongue, every action taken to preserve a language is a step toward safeguarding human heritage.
Let us all celebrate our mother languages and take pride in the diversity that makes our world vibrant and unique!
Written By: –
Rtr. Tharushi Nawodya
(Junior Blog Team Member 2024-25)
Edited By:
Rtr. Moksha Munasinghe
(Junior Blog Team Member 2024-25)
