Key Points:
- International Mother Language Day is celebrated annually on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.
- The day commemorates the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in Dhaka, where students sacrificed their lives to protect their mother tongue.
- This year marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, with the theme: “Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day.”
- Globally, over 7,000 languages are spoken, but nearly 40% are at risk of extinction due to lack of education in native languages.
- In India, a country of immense linguistic diversity, 121 languages and 270 mother tongues are officially recognized, with Hindi being the most spoken.
International Mother Language Day is observed every year on February 21 to celebrate the importance of linguistic diversity and promote multilingual education. Initiated by UNESCO in 1999, this day serves as a reminder of the critical role languages play in preserving cultural heritage and fostering inclusive societies. The celebration is particularly significant this year as it marks the 25th anniversary of the occasion with the theme: “Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day.”
The History Behind the Day
The roots of International Mother Language Day lie in the Bengali Language Movement of 1952. On February 21 that year, students from Dhaka University in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) protested against the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language by Pakistan’s government. The peaceful demonstrations turned tragic when police opened fire on protesters, killing several students. This movement eventually led to Bengali being recognized as one of Pakistan’s official languages.
In memory of these sacrifices, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999. The day not only honors those who fought for their linguistic rights but also raises awareness about preserving endangered languages globally.
Theme for 2025
This year’s theme, “Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day,” emphasizes the importance of promoting linguistic diversity and protecting endangered languages. It aligns with UNESCO’s ongoing efforts under the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), which aims to revitalize indigenous languages and integrate them into education systems.
The theme also highlights multilingual education as a tool for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education.
Global Linguistic Landscape
According to UNESCO, over 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide today. However, nearly 40% of these lack access to formal education in native languages, putting them at risk of extinction. Multilingual education has been identified as a key solution to this issue, especially in early childhood learning.
In India, a nation renowned for its linguistic diversity:
- The Census of India (2011) recognizes 121 major languages and 270 mother tongues.
- Over 19,500 dialects are spoken across the country.
- Hindi is the most widely spoken language with over 52 crore speakers (43.6% of the population), followed by Bengali and Marathi.
- Regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam also have significant numbers of speakers.
India’s linguistic richness underscores the importance of initiatives like International Mother Language Day to preserve its heritage.
Significance and Challenges
The celebration aims to protect endangered languages while encouraging multilingualism in education systems worldwide. Languages are not just tools for communication; they shape cultural identity and influence how people perceive the world.
However, rapid globalization and the dominance of widely spoken languages like English have marginalized many regional and indigenous tongues. UNESCO warns that without intervention, hundreds of languages could disappear within decades.
In India specifically, challenges include:
- Lack of resources for teaching regional or tribal languages in schools.
- Urbanization leading to reduced use of native dialects among younger generations.
- Limited government policies supporting linguistic preservation.
How the Day is Celebrated
International Mother Language Day is marked by various activities globally:
- Educational workshops on multilingualism and language preservation.
- Cultural performances showcasing linguistic diversity through music, poetry, and storytelling.
- Exhibitions highlighting endangered languages and efforts to revive them.
- Discussions on integrating mother tongues into formal education systems.
In Bangladesh, people pay homage by visiting Shaheed Minar monuments built in memory of those who lost their lives during the Bengali Language Movement.
Why It Matters
UNESCO emphasizes that learning in one’s mother tongue boosts self-esteem, cognitive development, and academic success. Multilingualism fosters tolerance and respect among communities while preserving traditional knowledge passed down through generations.
As we celebrate this year’s silver jubilee milestone for International Mother Language Day, it serves as a call to action for governments, educators, and individuals worldwide to protect linguistic diversity for future generations. By valuing our mother tongues today, we ensure that they remain vibrant carriers of culture tomorrow.
