International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is a global observance held annually on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and encourage multilingualism. It commemorates the sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh in 1952 to protect their mother language, Bangla.

Quick Facts

When is it? February 21
Tagged as: Cultural Diversity, Linguistic Awareness, Multilingualism
What’s the hashtag? #MotherLanguageDay
When was it founded? 1999
Who founded it? UNESCO, based on a proposal by Bangladesh

History

The roots of International Mother Language Day trace back to February 21, 1952, in Dhaka, Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). Students protested against the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language of Pakistan, demanding recognition of Bangla. The protests turned tragic when police opened fire, killing several students. This day became a symbol of the fight for linguistic rights. In 1999, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day to honor these sacrifices and promote global linguistic diversity.

Timeline

1948: Urdu declared the sole national language of Pakistan, sparking protests in East Pakistan.
1952: Police open fire on demonstrators in Dhaka; several students are martyred.
1998: Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam propose the idea to UNESCO.
1999: UNESCO officially proclaims February 21 as International Mother Language Day.
2000: First global observance of the day.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 21	Friday
2026	February 21	Saturday
2027	February 21	Sunday
2028	February 21	Monday
2029	February 21	Wednesday
2030	February 21	Thursday

Observed

This day is especially significant in Bangladesh, where it is also observed as Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Dibosh). People visit Shaheed Minar monuments barefoot to pay homage to the martyrs with flowers and songs. Globally, events like cultural programs, language competitions, and discussions on linguistic diversity are organized.

Fun Facts About

Over 7,000 languages exist worldwide, but nearly half are endangered.
A language disappears every two weeks on average.
International Mother Language Day aligns with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive education.

Quiz

When is International Mother Language Day observed?
- (Answer: February 21)
Which country initiated this observance?
- (Answer: Bangladesh)
What year did UNESCO declare it?
- (Answer: 1999)

FAQs

Q: Why is International Mother Language Day important?
A: It promotes linguistic diversity and multilingualism while honoring those who sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue.

Q: What is the theme for this year’s celebration?
A: Themes vary annually; check UNESCO’s announcements for updates.

Q: How can I participate?
A: Join cultural events, learn a new language, or promote awareness about endangered languages.

Importance

International Mother Language Day emphasizes the need to preserve linguistic heritage and foster cultural understanding. It highlights that languages are not just communication tools but also carriers of identity, history, and culture.