Why is International Mother Language Day Celebrated? Know its Significance! | International Mother Language Day, 21 February
International Mother Language Day, 21 February: International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on February 21. It is a global event focused on promoting linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. In this blog, we will discuss in detail the background, history, significance, and current scenario of this day. We will explore why languages are important and how we can preserve them. This blog is written in simple language so that everyone can easily understand it.
Introduction to International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual event celebrated on February 21. Its main objective is to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. It was first announced by UNESCO on November 17, 1999. Later, it received formal recognition with the adoption of UN Resolution 56/262 by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002.
This Day is part of Resolution 61/266, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on May 16, 2007, which is a broader initiative to “promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by the peoples of the world.” This resolution also established 2008 as the International Year of Languages. The idea of celebrating International Mother Language Day originated from Bangladesh’s initiative. The day was chosen in remembrance of the events of February 21, 1952, in Bangladesh, when Bengalis struggled to gain recognition for their Bengali language.
This day is celebrated not only in Bangladesh but also by Indian Bengalis living in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, and Tripura, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It globally encourages the protection and diversity of languages.
Why is Language Important?
A person’s mother tongue is the first language they learn. For many, it is the strongest link to their home, identity, and culture. Unfortunately, due to globalization, many languages are on the verge of extinction. The United Nations estimates that one mother tongue disappears every two weeks, and with it, an entire cultural heritage is lost. All the stories and oral traditions of a culture are lost.
Currently, only a few hundred languages are taught in schools and used in the public sphere. Even fewer languages are prevalent on the internet, which most of us use daily. This impacts the languages that remain relevant. Of the estimated 6000 languages spoken worldwide, 43% are endangered. They are being deemed useless and replaced by more dominant languages. Parents and teachers do not teach them to children, preventing these languages from reaching the next generation and leading to their extinction.
The rich diversity of languages once spoken in the United States is now diminishing. With the generational loss of mother tongues, English is becoming dominant. International Mother Language Day promotes the teaching of various languages and mother tongues to encourage diversity and preserve the history of different cultures. Consequently, we learn about different traditions worldwide, making us more tolerant and understanding of various people, countries, and cultures.
- Reasons for language extinction: Globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of major languages.
- Impact: Loss of cultural heritage, loss of identity.
- Solutions: Education in mother tongue, awareness campaigns.
Background
International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the UNESCO General Conference in November 1999. The idea came from Bangladesh’s initiative. The United Nations General Assembly welcomed this Day in its 2002 resolution. On May 16, 2007, the UN General Assembly in resolution A/RES/61/266 called on member states to preserve all languages. This resolution also declared 2008 as the International Year of Languages, aiming to promote unity in diversity and international understanding through multilingualism and multiculturalism. UNESCO was recognized as the lead agency for this year.
Today, the role of languages is crucial in development, cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, cooperation, quality education, building inclusive knowledge societies, preserving cultural heritage, and sustainable development. Languages preserve tangible and intangible heritage. The spread of mother tongues enhances linguistic diversity, multilingual education, awareness, understanding, tolerance, and dialogue.
History
February 21 was declared International Mother Language Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1999. It has been celebrated worldwide since February 21, 2000. It is a tribute to the Bangladesh Language Movement. In 1947, Pakistan was formed, consisting of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan). These two parts were distinct in culture and language.
In 1948, the Government of Pakistan declared Urdu as the sole national language, while Bengali was spoken in East Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan protested and demanded that Bengali also be made a national language. This demand was raised by Dhirendranath Datta on February 23, 1948. The government banned assemblies, but students of Dhaka University held rallies. On February 21, 1952, police opened fire, killing Abdus Salam, Abul Barkat, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, and Shafiur Rahman. Hundreds were injured. This is a rare example of sacrificing lives for one’s mother tongue.
Since then, February 21 has been observed as Shaheed Dibosh (Martyrs’ Day) in Bangladesh. People visit the Shaheed Minar. This day is a national holiday in Bangladesh. The proposal was put forward by Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam. They wrote a letter to Kofi Annan on January 9, 1998. Rafiqul proposed February 21. The proposal was presented to the Bangladesh Parliament and sent to UNESCO. Syed Muazzem Ali and Tozammel Tony Haque further promoted it. On November 17, 1999, UNESCO’s 30th General Conference adopted it.
UNESCO’s declaration gave international recognition to the Bangladesh Language Movement. The International Year of Languages in 2008 further enhanced its importance. The foundation of this day is linked to the 1952 Language Movement. On February 21, 1952, students were shot, and many died. It is a national holiday in Bangladesh. UNESCO recognized it in 1999; it was first celebrated in 2000. 2025 marks its 25th anniversary.
- Key Events:
- 1952: Bengali Language Movement.
- 1955: First Language Movement Day in Bangladesh.
- 1999: UNESCO Declaration.
- 2000: Inaugural celebration.
Modern Scenario
The framers of the Indian Constitution aspired for governance to be conducted in its own languages. India is progressing, but the benefits are not reaching the common public. Reason: governance is not in the people’s language. English has an influence, but Hindi is not far behind. Hindi is used from colloquial speech to the internet. Expectation: use of Hindi in government offices.
The theme for 2026: Youth’s opinion on multilingual education. The linguistic landscape is changing. Migration, technological advancements, and the benefits of multilingualism. Youth play a role in protecting languages. Challenges: 40% of learners do not receive education in their own language. Indigenous, migrant, and minority populations are affected. Inclusive policies are necessary.
International Mother Language Day highlights the role of languages in inclusion and sustainable development goals. Multilingual education creates inclusive societies and preserves non-dominant languages.
Mother Tongue
Mother tongue is the carrier of traditions and values. Without it, culture is unimaginable. It connects us to nationality and instills patriotism. Mother tongue is the voice of the soul and unites the country. The language nurtured in a mother’s lap gives words to a child’s development. Primary education should be in the mother tongue.
Status of Languages Worldwide
According to UNESCO, there are 8,324 languages in the world, with 7,000 in use. Many are on the verge of extinction. This day plays a role in their preservation.
- Facts: 43% of languages are endangered.
- Reasons: Globalization, pressure from dominant languages.
- Impact: Cultural loss.
Significance of International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day (February 21) is a global day promoting linguistic and cultural diversity. It emphasizes the preservation of mother tongues, multilingualism, and the protection of cultural heritage. Understand its key significance in the points below:
- Preservation of Linguistic Diversity: Over 8,000 languages are spoken worldwide, but many are on the verge of extinction. One language disappears every two weeks. This day raises awareness to save endangered languages and preserve their cultural heritage.
- Promotion of Multilingual Education: Education in the mother tongue aids better comprehension, learning, and cognitive development. This day promotes multilingual education, creating an inclusive society and strengthening minority/indigenous languages.
- Protection of Cultural Identity and Heritage: Mother tongue is linked to an individual’s identity, culture, traditions, and history. This day honors cultural diversity through language and promotes tolerance, understanding, and intercultural dialogue.
- Protection of Linguistic Rights: This day emphasizes the protection of linguistic rights of indigenous, minority, and migrant communities. In remembrance of the 1952 Bangladesh Language Movement, this day keeps alive the spirit of sacrifice for language.
- Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals: Languages play a vital role in education, social inclusion, economic development, and peace. This day highlights the role of languages in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Awareness and Global Unity: Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 and celebrated since 2000 (25th anniversary in 2025), this day encourages unity in diversity. It teaches people respect for different languages and cultures.
Inspiration Behind International Mother Language Day
The main inspiration behind International Mother Language Day (February 21) comes from Bangladesh’s Language Movement. This day is celebrated to promote linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and the preservation of mother tongues. Key points are given below:
- 1952 Bengali Language Movement: After the formation of Pakistan in 1947, the majority of people in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) spoke Bengali. But in 1948, the Pakistan government declared Urdu as the sole national language. This led to discontent among Bengalis, and they demanded that Bengali also be made an official language.
- Events of February 21, 1952: Students of Dhaka University protested. The government banned assemblies, but students continued their protest. Police opened fire, killing students like Abdus Salam, Abul Barkat, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, and Shafiur Rahman. Hundreds were injured. This is a rare example in history where people sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue.
- Memory of Martyrs: This event had a profound impact on Bangladesh. People visit Shaheed Minar and remember it as a tragic day. This movement later became the foundation for Bangladesh’s independence (1971).
- International Initiative: In 1998, Bengalis Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam, living in Vancouver (Canada), wrote a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. They chose February 21 and urged the world to save languages from extinction. The Bangladesh government submitted a proposal to UNESCO.
- UNESCO Declaration: On November 17, 1999, UNESCO’s 30th General Conference unanimously declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day. It has been celebrated globally since 2000. In 2002, the United Nations recognized it.
International Mother Language Day: Important Facts by Dates
- 1952: Bengali Language Movement.
- 1955: First celebrated in Bangladesh.
- 1999: UNESCO Declaration.
- 2000: Inaugural celebration.
- 2002: Linguistic diversity, 3,000 endangered languages.
- 2004: Children’s education.
- 2005: Braille and sign languages.
- 2006: Languages and cyberspace.
- 2007: Multilingual education.
- 2008: International Year of Languages.
- 2010: Confluence of cultures.
- 2012: Teaching in mother tongue.
- 2013: Books for mother tongue education.
- 2014: Local languages for science.
- 2015: Inclusion: language matters.
- 2016: Quality education and language.
- 2017: Multilingual education for a sustainable future.
- 2018: Our languages, our heritage.
- 2019: Year of Indigenous Languages.
- 2020: Protection of diversity.
- 2021: Promoting multilingualism.
- 2022: Use of technology.
- 2023: Need for multilingual education.
- 2024: Multilingual education as a pillar of learning.
- 2025: Silver Jubilee.
How to Celebrate International Mother Language Day?
There are many simple and effective ways to celebrate International Mother Language Day (February 21). This day promotes linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and the preservation of mother tongues. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Start learning a new language — Learn a new word, phrase, or greeting (like “hello” or “namaste”). Use apps or online courses to encourage multilingualism.
- Converse or write in your mother tongue — Speak in your mother tongue throughout the day, write a diary, or listen to stories from family members. This keeps the language alive.
- Spread awareness on social media — Share posts in your mother tongue, include idioms, poems, or interesting facts. Use hashtags like #InternationalMotherLanguageDay or #MotherLanguageDay.
- Teach and share multilingual greetings — Teach “Namaste,” “Hello,” “Bonjour,” etc., in various languages to family, friends, or in class. This can be a fun activity in school morning assemblies.
- Read or listen to multilingual books — Read books, stories, or listen to songs in your own or other languages. Read bilingual books with children to foster a sense of diversity.
- Organize a language-themed party or event — Invite people from different language backgrounds to your home or school. Everyone can share greetings, songs, or stories in their language.
- Learn about endangered languages — Read about endangered languages on UNESCO’s website and contribute to efforts to save them.
- Watch films or documentaries — Participate in events like mother tongue film festivals or watch films on linguistic diversity online.
- Organize exhibitions or quizzes in school/college — Create posters, alphabets, or quizzes about different languages. This increases awareness.
- Promote youth voices — Discuss or participate in online events aligned with the 2026 theme “Youth’s Opinion on Multilingual Education.”
India’s Initiative to Protect Indigenous Languages
In India, the government has undertaken several important initiatives to protect indigenous languages, focusing on the preservation of endangered languages, tribal dialects, and mother tongues. These efforts are ongoing at educational, documentation, digital technology, and policy levels. The main initiatives are as follows:
- Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL): Launched by the Ministry of Education in 2013. Operated by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru. It is documenting 117 endangered languages with fewer than 10,000 speakers, preparing grammar, bilingual/trilingual dictionaries, pictorial glossaries, and audio-video collections. The goal is to cover over 500 languages in the future.
- New Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Emphasizes primary education (at least up to Class 5) in the mother tongue or regional language. Promotes Multilingual Education (MLE), leading to the development of primers and teaching materials in indigenous languages. UNESCO ‘s 2025 report “Bhasha Matters” also supports MTB-MLE.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs Initiatives: Bilingual dictionaries, primers (Classes 1-3), multilingual education interventions, conferences, workshops, and poetry seminars in tribal languages. AI-based preservation projects are also underway.
- Role of Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL): Promotion of all Indian languages. Digital dictionaries, online repositories, and language documentation. Resources for 77 tribal languages are available on the Bharatavani platform.
- UGC Schemes: Funding to state universities for studying/researching endangered languages. Establishment of endangered language centers in central universities.
- Digital and AI Initiatives: Bhashini (National Language Translation Mission), BharatGen AI (in 22 official languages), Adi-Vani (for tribal languages). Keeping languages alive through digital content.
- State-level Efforts: Odisha’s “Ama Ghar” (for tribal children), Kerala’s “Namath Basai” (education in local languages).
Conclusion: International Mother Language Day, 21 February
International Mother Language Day reminds us that language is not just a medium of communication, but a living form of our identity, culture, history, and emotions. Inspired by the sacrifices of the martyrs of the Bangladesh Language Movement on February 21, 1952, this day today conveys the message to the whole world about the preservation of linguistic diversity, the promotion of multilingualism, and the importance of education in the mother tongue.
When thousands of languages are on the verge of extinction due to globalization and the pressure of dominant languages, this day makes us aware that every language is a precious heritage. Let us keep our mother tongue alive, teach it to the new generation, and increase respect for different languages. Because true unity and human development are possible only in diversity.
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