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International Mother Language Day

Celebrate International Mother Language Day by honoring the language of your ancestors and sharing its beauty with the world!
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When it is?
February 21
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Country
International
Introduction

On February 21, let's celebrate International Mother Language Day and recognize the value of our native language! This day was created in 1999 as a way to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism around the world. It is also a time to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives fighting for their mother tongue. By celebrating this day, we are reminded of the importance of preserving language and culture, which can help us better understand each other and strengthen our shared humanity.

History of International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day Dates

International Mother Language Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Language Movement Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>In East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), students and activists protested against the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language, leading to violent conflicts and several deaths.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNESCO Declaration</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official celebration of International Mother Language Day occurred, encouraging people worldwide to appreciate their mother languages.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN General Assembly Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UN General Assembly recognized International Mother Language Day and encouraged its member states to promote the day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Book of the Year Distinction</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNESCO recognized "Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger" as the International Mother Language Day book of the year, highlighting language preservation.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Mother Language Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a book in your mother language</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time out of your day to read a book in your mother language. Not only is this a great way to practice and sharpen your language skills, but it's also a great way to stay connected with your culture and heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn a new phrase</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself to learn at least one new phrase in your mother language each day. This can help you build confidence in speaking and understanding the language, as well as expand your vocabulary.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie in your mother language</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are countless movies available in almost any language, so why not watch one in your mother language? It's a great way to immerse yourself in the language and culture, and you'll be able to understand the context of the conversation better.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Writing a letter or note to someone in your mother language can be a great way to show your appreciation for their culture and language. It can also be a great way to practice writing in the language too.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Teach someone else</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Teaching someone else is an excellent way to celebrate International Mother Language Day. Find someone who is interested in learning your native language, and help them learn it! Not only will they benefit from the experience, but you will too.</p></div></div>

Why We Love International Mother Language Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Mother Language Day is an important day that highlights and celebrates the many languages spoken around the world. It reminds us of our shared humanity and promotes understanding and respect between different cultures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes literacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Knowing your mother language, or the language you were raised with, helps to improve reading and writing skills in both adults and children alike. Learning a second language can also open up more career opportunities and help build bridges between cultures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates linguistic & cultural heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Mother Language Day is a great way to recognize the value of each language, both spoken and written. Every language carries its own unique history, culture and traditions - celebrating it helps ensure these traditions are not forgotten over time!</p></div></div>

5 Important Facts About Mother Languages

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-count-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mother languages are important for preserving culture</h3><p class='facts-description'>A person's mother language is closely connected to their cultural identity, traditions, and history, playing a crucial role in preserving the unique aspects of their heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-count-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children learn better in their mother language</h3><p class='facts-description'>Studies have shown that children grasp concepts better and learn more effectively when they are taught in their mother language, especially during their early years of education.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-count-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many mother languages are at risk of extinction</h3><p class='facts-description'>UNESCO estimates that nearly 2,500 languages are at risk of becoming extinct or forgotten, many of them are considered mother languages to certain community or minority groups.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-count-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Mother Language Day was introduced by UNESCO</h3><p class='facts-description'>International Mother Language Day was first announced by UNESCO in 1999 and has been observed annually since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-count-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The day honors the Bengali Language Movement</h3><p class='facts-description'>February 21 was chosen as the date for International Mother Language Day in honor of the Bengali Language Movement where students campaigned for their language to be recognized as one of the two national languages of then Pakistan in 1952.</p></div></div>

International Mother Language Day FAQs

When is International Mother Language Day?

International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21 every year. In 2024, International Mother Language Day will occur on a Wednesday.

International Mother Language Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Feb 21

Tuesday

2024

Feb 21

Wednesday

2025

Feb 21

Friday

2026

Feb 21

Saturday

2027

Feb 21

Sunday

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