About The International Mother Language Day
The International Mother Language Day was announced by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999.
The idea of celebrating The International Mother Language Day was the intention of Bangladesh. The General of the United Nations of the United Nations to upgraded the campaigns of the day and the 2002 determination.
In May 16, 2007, all meetings in the United Nations / 61/266 calls groups that express all people of people who are . Through the same resolution, the General Assembly declared 2008 the International Year of Languages, to promote unity and diversity in international understanding, through multilingualism and multiculturalism, and named the United Nations Education, Science and Culture as leader of the year. .
Today, it is recognized that languages play an important role in development, in ensuring diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in promoting cooperation and access to quality education for all people, in building a knowledge society including in preserving cultural heritage. and in mobilizing the political will to apply the benefits of science and technology to development.
International Mother Language Day 2023: History and Meaning
When India gained independence from Britain in 1947, the Indian subcontinent was divided into two separate states: India was independent as a Hindu state and a separate Muslim state (East Pakistan and West Pakistan). After that, East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh, and West Pakistan, now known as Pakistan, continued to have a language and culture war.
Controversy arose when the government of Pakistan preached the gospel in Urdu in 1948. In East Pakistan, where Bengali is the most widely spoken language, the government’s decision sparked a lot of unrest. On February 21, 1952, a few Dhaka University students and many activists staged a protest where four university students were killed when the police opened fire on the crowd.
On International Mother Language Day, we remember the loss of those students who fought for Bengali language to be recognized as their mother tongue. The General Assembly of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved Bangladesh’s initiative to celebrate International Mother Language Day in 1999, and it has been honored worldwide since then.
UNESCO has also expressed concern about the extinction of the world language. Therefore, he decided to make this day as a pledge to recognize the value of the local language, especially in early learning. The establishment of the International Mother Language Day is a step to show dedication for the growth of the mother tongue in everyday speech.
Significance
Language diversity is at risk. There is a significant decrease in the number of languages over the years. Some are already gone. All over the world, 40% of people have no education of the language they speak.
Despite that, there is a growing demand for the importance of learning different languages, especially in early childhood education. This will further promise for better growth and social life.
Why is it Celebrated?
Globally, 40% of people do not have access to education in the language they speak or understand. But progress is being made in the education of different languages and the importance is being recognized, especially during the first education, and the contribution to its development in social life, according to the United Nations.
International Mother Language Day recognizes that language and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ emphasis on leaving no one behind. UNESCO supports and promotes multilingual education based on mother tongue or first language. It is a form of education that starts with the language that the learner learns best, and gradually introduces other languages.
This system allows learners of their native language to be different from the language of instruction to bridge the gap between home and school, find out about the school situation in the language they know, and thus learn better. Multilingualism contributes to the development of a society that allows many cultures, worldviews and systems of knowledge to coexist and enrich each other.
Today, it is recognized that languages play an important role in development, in ensuring diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in promoting cooperation and access to quality education for all people, in building a knowledge society including in preserving cultural heritage. and in mobilizing the political will to apply the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development, the United Nations said.
International Language Day Celebration
International Mother Language Day is celebrated all over the world to promote the importance of different languages and cultures and to promote the use and preservation of native languages. The celebration of the day varies from country to country, but usually includes various activities such as:
Cultural programs and shows featuring music, dance and songs in different languages
An exhibition highlighting linguistic and cultural heritage
Conferences and seminars on language-related topics
Debates and discussions on the importance of local languages
Art and essay competition in different languages
Screening of movies and documentaries about different languages and cultures
Book exhibitions and library programs highlight the role of local languages in education and culture
International Mother Language Day is an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate their linguistic and cultural heritage, and to raise awareness of the importance of preserving mother tongues for future generations.
