International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on February 21, promoting linguistic and cultural diversity around the world. Established by UNESCO in 2000, the day recognizes the importance of mother languages in education, social integration, and cultural heritage.

The day honors the language movement in Bangladesh that started in 1952, where students protested for the recognition of their mother tongue, Bengali, as one of the national languages. This protest ultimately led to a significant loss of life, but it also sparked a worldwide recognition of linguistic rights.

International Mother Language Day promotes awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It serves as a reminder of the right to speak one's mother language and to foster respect for diverse cultures globally.

Schools, universities, and cultural organizations around the world hold events such as poetry readings, storytelling sessions, and language workshops to celebrate the day. Participants from various backgrounds share, learn, and appreciate languages and cultures.

This celebration emphasizes the role language plays in preserving cultural heritage and fostering social cohesion. It encourages people to learn their mother tongue, providing a bridge to other languages and cultures.

The choice of February 21 was primarily influenced by the political significance of the events in Bangladesh, making it a poignant reminder of the struggles faced in language rights, echoed by many minority groups around the world.

UNESCO estimates that around 40% of the global population does not have access to education in their mother tongue, highlighting the persistence of language endangerment and the importance of celebrating linguistic diversity.

Several countries officially mark this day and conduct activities to promote language and culture, helping ensure that languages spoken by indigenous peoples and minority groups are recognized and valued.

How has your mother language shaped your cultural identity?