International Mother Language Day 2024: Theme, History, Objective And Why It Is Celebrated

International Mother Language Day 2024:?International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21st each year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The day was first proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999, and has been observed every year since February 2000.

International Mother Language Day was established by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999, in response to a tragic event that took place in Bangladesh in 1952.

Why is International Mother Language Day 2024 celebrated on February 21st?

On February 21, 1952, students and activists in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) voiced their opposition to the Pakistani government's decision to impose Urdu as the sole official language. The protest took a tragic turn when police opened fire on the demonstrators, resulting in several casualties.

This event marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for independence in East Pakistan, sparking a movement to champion the Bengali language and culture. In 1999, the Government of Bangladesh proposed to UNESCO that February 21st be designated as International Mother Language Day to commemorate the 1952 events and promote linguistic and cultural diversity globally. UNESCO accepted the proposal, and the inaugural International Mother Language Day was observed on February 21, 2000.

Since then, the day has been commemorated annually to safeguard and promote all languages, particularly those facing endangerment. It encourages individuals to embrace and advocate for their mother tongue. International Mother Language Day also seeks to raise awareness about the significance of linguistic diversity in fostering cultural understanding, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.

International Mother Language Day 2024: Theme?

The theme of the International Mother Language Day celebration 2024 is “Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning”. Today, 250 million children and young people still do not attend school and 763 million adults do not master basic literacy skills. Mother tongue education supports learning, literacy and the acquisition of additional languages.

The objective of International Mother Language Day

The primary objective of International Mother Language Day is to advocate for linguistic and cultural diversity, multilingualism, and the safeguarding of all languages, particularly those at risk of extinction. The day seeks to highlight the significance of linguistic diversity in fostering cultural understanding, promoting peaceful coexistence, and contributing to sustainable development.

Observing International Mother Language Day serves as an occasion to celebrate and endorse the use of mother tongues, integral components of individuals' cultural heritage and identity. It encourages people to take pride in their mother language, utilizing it in daily life, education, and various aspects of society.

Another goal of International Mother Language Day is to champion multilingual education and support the formulation of language policies that uphold linguistic diversity and enhance social inclusion. The day serves as a platform for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to exchange insights and best practices regarding language education and policy.

Ultimately, the overarching aim of International Mother Language Day is to promote the idea that linguistic and cultural diversity serves as a source of strength, contributing to a more peaceful and sustainable world. By celebrating such diversity, the day seeks to foster greater awareness and understanding among diverse communities, promoting respect and tolerance for all languages and cultures.

In short, International Mother Language Day aims to safeguard and promote all languages, particularly those in jeopardy, while encouraging the use and promotion of mother tongues. The day also strives to underscore the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering cultural understanding, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.

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