International Mother Language Day 2023: History, Significance, and all you need to know about this day

The world celebrates International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism on February 21 every year. In 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the idea of celebrating International Mother Language Day.

According to the UNESCO website, the day was established on the initiative of Bangladesh and has been observed worldwide since 1999. For societies to be sustainable, cultural and linguistic diversity is crucial. This day honoured and remembered the historical language movement and the martyrs who gave their lives in Bangladesh in 1952. This day, also known as 'Matribhasha Diwas,' is widely observed and celebrated.

The History and Significance of International Mother Language Day 2023

This day celebrates languages and multilingualism as powerful tools for social inclusion and global development. It seeks to promote the long-term development goals of equity for all. The General Assembly of the United Nations-supported the declaration of a United Nations Day in 2002. The United Nations General Assembly encourages member states to take action to preserve and protect all languages spoken by people around the world in this resolution. Language plays an important role in bringing about change and growth in human civilization.

International Mother Language Day 2023: Theme

The theme for International Mother Language Day 2023 has not yet been determined. The theme for 2022 was "Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and Opportunities," while the theme for 2021 was "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society."

FAQs

Q1. When did International Mother Language day start?
International Mother Language Day was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference in November 1999.

Q2. Why is International Language Day celebrated?
International Mother Language Day is being celebrated across the world to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism.