About International Mother Language Day:
- It is observed every year on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity across the world.
- The day highlights the importance of preserving mother languages and encouraging multilingual education for inclusive and sustainable societies.
- With over 40% of the world's languages vulnerable, the day reinforces the global commitment to safeguarding languages that are at risk of disappearing.
- History:
- The day commemorates the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh, where students protested for recognition of their mother tongue.
- Their sacrifice led to global recognition of linguistic rights and diversity.
- The day was first proposed by Bangladesh.
- In 1999, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day, and it has been observed worldwide since 2000.
- Theme for 2026: This year’s theme, “Youth voices on multilingual education,” emphasises the crucial role young people play in preserving and promoting linguistic diversity.
