International Days
International Mother Language Day
February 21st 2025
Languages play a vital role in education and sustainable development, acting as the primary means for transferring knowledge and preserving cultures. With around 8,324 languages spoken worldwide today, many are at risk of extinction due to globalization and societal shifts.
Ensuring that education systems respect the right to learn in one’s native language is essential for enhancing learning outcomes. Studies show that students taught in a language they fully understand demonstrate better comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking skills. Multilingual education, particularly for minority and indigenous languages, not only benefits learners but also strengthens the link between education and culture, fostering more inclusive and equitable societies.
The 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day marks a quarter-century of efforts to protect linguistic diversity and promote mother tongues. This milestone highlights the significance of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education, and contributing to more peaceful societies.
International Mother Language Day, initially proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, emphasizes the role of languages in fostering inclusion and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Multilingual education not only promotes inclusive societies but also supports the preservation of minority and indigenous languages. It is a key element in ensuring equitable access to education and lifelong learning for all.
Background
International Mother Language Day was established by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. The initiative to celebrate this day originated in Bangladesh. The UN General Assembly endorsed the proclamation of this day in its 2002 resolution.
On May 16, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly, through resolution A/RES/61/266, urged Member States to "promote the preservation and protection of all languages spoken by the people of the world." In the same resolution, the General Assembly declared 2008 as the International Year of Languages to foster unity in diversity and enhance international understanding through multilingualism and multiculturalism. UNESCO was designated as the lead agency for the Year.
Today, there is increasing recognition of the crucial role languages play in development, preserving cultural diversity, promoting intercultural dialogue, and strengthening cooperation. Languages are also essential in ensuring quality education for all, building inclusive knowledge societies, safeguarding cultural heritage, and mobilizing political will to apply science and technology for sustainable development.
History of International Mother Language Day
In November 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared International Mother Language Day. The day was inspired by Bangladesh’s struggle for language recognition. February 21, 1952, is a significant date, marking when the Bengali people fought for their language to be officially recognized. As a result of their efforts, Bengali was declared the second official language of Pakistan on February 29, 1952.
Source: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/
Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day
