International Mother Language Day: History, Significance, and Celebration

Every February 21, International Day of Monthly Languages ​​(IMLD) commemorates language and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The day was designated by UNESCO in November 1999 after a fateful event in Bangladesh in 1952, when students and activists gathered in their native Bangladeshi. The demonstrations answered in a cruel way, which inspired the linguistic rights movement in the region.

Historical background

The origins of International Native Language Day return to the 1947 Indian Division, which separates Bangladesh into West Bengal (the Indian part) and East Bengal (later East Pakistan). The new Pakistani government made Urdu the only national language, ignoring the Bengali language majority in East Pakistan. The move caused great dissatisfaction and demonstrations among Bengali speakers. On February 21, 1952, a peaceful student-organized demonstration was held at the University of Dhaka, when police opened fire on the crowd and killed four students, ending in a disaster. It became a turning point in the battle for the right to language and cultural identity of Bangladesh.

You are watching: International Mother Language Day: History, Significance, and Celebration

Also Read | When will Eid Eid 2025? Check Ramadan calendar, date, meaning and holiday status

See more : Optical Illusion Visual Test: Test Your Vision By Trying To Detect The Odd Leaf In Less Than 19 Seconds

After years of struggle, Bengali was finally declared as one of the national languages ​​of Pakistan in 1956. After the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh became the national language of the newly independent Bangladesh. The difficulty gained in this sport on February 21st each year is “Shohid Dibosh” or Martyrs’ Day in Bangladesh.

Global recognition

UNESCO announced the International Day of Native Languages ​​on 21 February, not only to commemorate people who are struggling with their language rights, but also to call for action to save and promote all languages ​​around the world. This day underscores the value of cultural and linguistic diversity as an indispensable element of a sustainable society. It seeks to draw attention to the fate of many endangered languages; today, an estimated 40% of the world’s population cannot receive education in their native language.

Every year, IMLD has a designated topic that focuses on ongoing challenges and language protection goals. Examples include the claim that multilingual education is an inherent component of knowledge and knowledge transfer between generations. The use of native language is more powerfully aware of helping improve school performance and helping build learners’ self-confidence.

Celebration and commemoration

See more : Optical Illusion Find And Seek: If You Find The Monitor Lizard In This Image Within 18 Seconds, You Are A Genius

International Day of Native Languages ​​has been observed throughout the world, with different activities to promote linguistic diversity. In Bangladesh, it was a national holiday and wreaths were laid on the martyrs’ monument in Dhaka to celebrate those who fought for their linguistic rights respect those who fought for it. Cultural activities were also held to showcase the richness of Bengali literature and art.

On the way to mark the 25th anniversary of the IMLD in 2025, progress in efforts to protect linguistic diversity can be reviewed and considered as we reiterate our commitment to saving endangered languages ​​around the world. The UNESCO-sponsored international conference will focus on accelerating the process of covering an inclusive society through language protection by 2030.

Finally, International Day of Monthly Language is a harsh reminder of language rights and identity preservation. It calls on individuals and countries to learn and respect their languages ​​and to raise their voices on behalf of those who continue to work hard to fight through their native language.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion