February 21 is observed as the International Mother Language Day all around the world to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism.
Each year a new theme is chosen by the United Nations. The theme for the 20th International Mother Language Day is ‘Indigenous languages as a factor in development, peace and reconciliation.’
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Happy #MotherLanguageDay! 😃 https://t.co/ki3DqPASk0 #IndigenousLanguages pic.twitter.com/KGfWO1hxYH
— UNESCO (@UNESCO) February 21, 2019
History of International Mother Language Day
The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was an initiative of Bangladesh. The day is known as Bhasha Dibas or Shahid Dibas in West Bengal and Bangladesh for more than six decades now.
On February 21, 1952, students at the University of Dhaka started a protest for recognition of the Bangla language in erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Some of these students were fired upon and killed by the police. As the years passed, unrest continued to rise, even as Bengali speakers came out to campaign for the right to use their mother language.
On February 29, 1956, Bengali became the official language in Pakistan. In 1971, the Bangladesh Liberation War resulted in Bangladesh becoming its own county with its official language being Bengali.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decided to make February 21st International Mother Language Day in 1999. The following year, on February 21, it was observed for the first time.
Why do we need International Mother Language Day?
A United Nations report says that at least 43 percent of the 6000-plus languages spoken around the world are endangered.
The UN report further explains how only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, while less than a hundred are used in the digital world.
More than 40 of our Indian languages or dialects are spoken by fewer than 10,000 people, says a new report of the Census Directorate. Hence, these are considered to be endangered and believed to be heading towards extinction.
Celebrations on International Mother Language Day
UNESCO hosts numerous events that promote not only linguistic diversity but cultural diversity as well. This agency also encourages people to not only keep their mother language in use but to also learn additional languages as well. In Bangladesh, this day is not only a UN sanctioned observance day. People all over the country host parties and organize extravagant meals to celebrate the Bengali language and the culture of Bangladesh.