International Mother Language Day (IMLD) was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on November 17, 1999, to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The day was first observed on February 21, 2000.
The date was chosen to commemorate the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), where students and activists protested for the recognition of the Bengali language as an official language. The protest led to the loss of several lives as police and the military opened fire on the demonstrators. The movement ultimately contributed to the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent country.
International Mother Language Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity, as well as the use of mother languages to pass on cultural heritage and knowledge.
It emphasizes the need to respect all languages, especially those that are less widely spoken or are in danger of disappearing.
To celebrate International Mother Language Day, you can:
1. Learn more about your mother language, its history, and the culture it represents.
2. Share stories, poems, or songs in your mother language with friends, family, or on social media.
3. Attend or organize cultural events that celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures in your community.
4. Learn a new language, especially one that may be less commonly spoken or at risk of disappearing.
5. Advocate for the inclusion and recognition of linguistic diversity in education, media, and public life.
By observing International Mother Language Day, we can contribute to a world that values and respects linguistic diversity and cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate the richness of the world’s languages.
Hidden Object Games
Celebrate linguistic diversity with our “February 21: International Mother Language Day” hidden object game. This culturally rich game takes you around the world, exploring the beauty of mother languages and their significance in preserving heritage.
Find hidden objects while learning about various languages, their unique scripts, and the stories they tell. Perfect for language enthusiasts, students, and gaming fans alike, this game offers a unique blend of fun and educational content.
