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Language is a fundamental component of human identity, shaping cultural heritage, communication, and worldviews. Recognizing the importance of linguistic diversity and the need for multilingual education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established International Mother Language Day (IMLD) in 1999, observed annually on February 21. This day serves as a global platform to promote linguistic and cultural diversity while raising awareness about the significance of preserving endangered languages.
Historical Background
International Mother Language Day has its origins in the Bengali Language Movement of 1952, when students in Dhaka, then part of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), protested for the recognition of Bengali as an official language alongside Urdu. On February 21, 1952, police forces killed several demonstrators, leading to this date being commemorated in Bangladesh as Shaheed Day (Martyrs’ Day). In recognition of this struggle, UNESCO proclaimed February 21 as International Mother Language Day, emphasizing the importance of linguistic rights and multilingual education.
The Importance of Linguistic Diversity
Linguistic diversity is crucial for preserving cultural heritage, promoting cognitive development, and ensuring inclusive education. According to UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger, approximately 43% of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction, with one language disappearing approximately every two weeks. The loss of a language not only erases a means of communication but also diminishes the unique knowledge, traditions, and worldviews embedded within it.
Multilingualism plays a vital role in fostering social inclusion, economic development, and global understanding. Research indicates that individuals who are fluent in multiple languages exhibit enhanced cognitive abilities, including improved problem-solving skills and greater adaptability. Furthermore, multilingual education strengthens intercultural dialogue, promoting tolerance and respect among diverse communities.
Challenges to Mother Languages
Despite the advantages of linguistic diversity, many indigenous and minority languages face challenges due to globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of major world languages like English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Several factors contribute to language endangerment:
- Globalization and Economic Pressures – Economic opportunities often favor dominant languages, leading to a decline in the use of indigenous languages in formal and professional.
- Lack of Institutional Support – Many educational systems prioritize national or international languages, neglecting the integration of mother tongues in curricula.
- Cultural Stigmatization – In some societies, speaking a minority language is associated with lower socioeconomic status, leading younger generations to abandon their native tongue in favor of dominant languages.
- Technological and Media Influence – Digital content is predominantly produced in a few widely spoken languages, limiting access to indigenous linguistic representation online.
Promoting Multilingual Education and Language Rights
To address these challenges, UNESCO advocates for mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE), which ensures children receive early education in their native language before transitioning to additional languages. Studiesshow that children who begin education in their first language perform better academically and develop stronger cognitive skills than those who are immediately immersed in a second language.
Governments and organizations play a crucial role in supporting linguistic diversity by implementing policies such as:
- Recognizing and protecting indigenous languages through legal frameworks.
- Developing educational resources in mother tongues to facilitate multilingual instruction.
- Encouraging linguistic research and documentation to preserve endangered languages.
- Promoting language use in digital spaces through online content, media, and artificial intelligence applications.
The Role of International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day serves as a catalyst for global awareness and action. Each year, UNESCO selects a theme highlighting a specific linguistic issue. For example, the 2022 theme, “Using Technology for Multilingual Learning: Challenges and Opportunities,” emphasized the role of digital innovation in promoting linguistic diversity, and this year, the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day celebrates a quarter-century of efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote mother tongues. This milestone emphasizes the importance of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education, and fostering more peaceful societies.
Various initiatives, such as language festivals, policy dialogues, and educational campaigns, take place worldwide to celebrate linguistic heritage. Countries with significant linguistic diversity, such as India, Canada, and South Africa, actively participate in multilingual advocacy through community-based programs and governmental policies (UNESCO).
Conclusion
International Mother Language Day is more than a celebration—it is a reminder of the intrinsic link between language, culture, and identity. As globalization continues to reshape communication patterns, it is imperative to protect linguistic diversity and promote inclusive multilingual education. Governments, educators, and communities must collaborate to ensure that all individuals have the right to learn, use, and pass on their mother language to future generations. By valuing and preserving linguistic heritage, we contribute to a more culturally rich, inclusive, and sustainable global society.
By: Touska Gholami