International Mother Language Day (21 February) History, Significance, Theme and Observation

International Mother Language Day Quick Facts

International Mother Language Day Brief

International Mother Language Day is celebrated around the world on 21 February to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. First declared by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002 with the adoption of United Nations Resolution 56/262.

International Mother Language Day History

The purpose of celebrating this day is to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism in the world. UNESCO believes that education based on the first language, or mother tongue, should begin in the early years of early childhood care and that education is the foundation of learning.

International Mother Language Day Objective

The purpose of celebrating this day is to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism in the world. UNESCO believes that education based on the First language, or mother tongue, should begin in the early years of early childhood care and that education is the foundation of learning.

How to celebrate International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is celebrated as a celebration in many ways around the world. This day is presented each year by the Mahinoor Zahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF) of Alberta to recipients who inspire youth in the fields of education, sports, youth activities, literature and community service.

The Linguapax Prize is awarded annually by the Linguapax Institute to recognize outstanding achievements in the preservation of linguistic diversity, the revitalization of linguistic communities, and the promotion of multilingualism. In Bangladesh also an award show is organized by the Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA) on the same day.

These are of strategic importance to people and the planet, with their complex implications for language, identity, communication, social integration, education, and development. When languages fade, so does the world with a rich tapestry of cultural diversity.

Opportunities, traditions, memory, and unique ways of thinking and expression – valuable resources for ensuring a better future – are also lost. At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. Only a few hundred languages are actually given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world.

More info about International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day in India

As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India initiative, the digital content will be made available in 22 scheduled languages of the country and will be expanded to other 234 recognized languages of India. Digitization began in June 2016 through the Bharatavani project at the Central Institute for Indian Languages in Mysore, and as of February 2017, the content was made available free of charge in 60 Indian languages.

What is the Mother Tongue Language?

Apart from the word mother tongue, many other types of words are also used for this, in which First language, native language, etc. type words are found in use. The mother tongue is the social and linguistic identity of any person.

1. Bangladeshis celebrate International Mother Language Day by placing flowers on the martyrs' memorial and its replicas.
2. A public holiday in Bangladesh since 1953, it is also known as Shohid Dibsh, Martyrs' Day. Bangla Academy arranges Ekushi Book Fair in Dhaka for the entire month of February.
3. International Mother Language Day was introduced to the Canadian Parliament for recognition by Matthew Kelway as a Private Member's Bill C-573 on 5 February 2014.
4. In 2015, British Columbia and Manitoba issued declarations celebrating February 21 as International Mother Language Day.
5. Mother Tongue Film Festival 2017 in Washington, DC is celebrated as Mother Tongue Day.
6. The Linguapax Prize is awarded annually by the Linguapax Institute. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the conservation of linguistic diversity, the revitalization of linguistic communities and the promotion of multilingualism.
7. The Annual Ekushi Heritage Award, instituted in 2014 by the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA), recognizes outstanding achievement in areas such as education, social work and community service. The award is announced on International Mother Language Day.
8. The Equushi Youth Award, initiated in 2015 by the Mahinoor Zahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF) of Alberta, and announced at IMLD, is awarded annually to recipients who inspire youth in the fields of education, and sports, youth activities, literature and community service. is done. This award is open to residents of Alberta.

Important Days of February Month - (National Days and International Days):