International Mother Language Day 2026
International Mother Language Day is celebrated on 21st February every year. It is observed to highlight the significance of linguistic diversity and to preserve endangered languages. The day emphasises the importance of linguistic and cultural variety, and the need to promote multilingualism.
History of International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day was designated by UNESCO in 1999. The formation of the day was the result of the Bengali Language Movement that took place in 1952, in modern-day Bangladesh. As part of the movement, protests and rallies were led by activists and students to seek recognition for the Bengali language. The movement aimed to make Bengali the lingua franca and have it used in government, stamps, currency, the media, and as a medium of education. The peaceful demonstrations were met with violence and resulted in casualties, which further ignited the movement for language preservation rights in the country. In 1956, Bengali was made an official language, as a consequence of nationwide protests and the martyrdom of the movement’s supporters.
The proposal by the Bangladeshi government to make 21st February as International Mother Language Day was passed at the 30th General Conference of UNESCO, on 17 November 1999. The day was formally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002.
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Significance of International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day is an important day to be observed. The day aims to protect and preserve the world’s linguistic diversity, and to promote awareness of their importance.
The world has a vast number of living and endangered languages. Languages are most often lost due to factors such as colonialism, cultural assimilation, government policies, and marginalisation. As a result, minority languages around the world are increasingly at risk. When such languages are sidelined, they slowly but inevitably die out. Globalisation also plays a part in language loss. When a dominant language, like English, provides more educational and employment opportunities along with social stability, speakers of the minority language are forced to forgo their mother tongue and learn the dominant language to assimilate. When government policies provide backup to such actions, languages die out quickly, effectively preventing their transmission from one generation to the next.
The primary aim of International Mother Language Day is to safeguard against such unfortunate losses. The day is to remember the utmost significance a language holds as an instrument for preserving cultural traditions and heritage. It seeks to protect the endangered languages around the world, irrespective of the number of people speaking them. The day for mother languages promotes the dissemination of mother tongues, multilingual education, and cultural diversity.
International Mother Language Day 2026 Theme
International Mother Language Day is observed with a different theme each year, highlighting the significance of preserving linguistic diversity. The theme for the year 2025 is “Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day”. The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the International Mother Language Day, underscoring the fruitful efforts to preserve mother tongues.
How is International Mother Language Day Celebrated?
International Mother Language Day is celebrated globally with much enthusiasm. At UNESCO, two-day events are organized to promote mother tongues and to bring attention to the need to preserve them. All across the globe, events such as poetry recitations, multilingual storytelling, music shows, cultural performances, exhibitions, etc., are conducted. In Bangladesh, the day is also a public holiday, a day to pay tribute to the Bengali Language Movement, which led to the formation of International Mother Language Day.
FAQs on International Mother Language Day
- What is International Mother Language Day?
International Mother Language Day is a day to encourage linguistic diversity and raise awareness on the need to preserve and protect mother languages all over the world.
- What led to the formation of International Mother Language Day?
The Bengali Language movement, which took place in modern-day Bangladesh led to the formation of International Mother Language Day.
- When did the UN General Assembly formally recognise International Mother Language Day?
International Mother Language Day was formally recognised by the UN General Assembly in 2002.
- What is the theme of International Mother Language Day 2026?
The theme of International Mother Language Day 2026 is “Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day”.
- How is International Mother Language Day celebrated?
International Mother Language Day is celebrated worldwide with events such as poetry recitations, cultural performances, multilingual storytelling, music shows, etc.
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