Image for International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day, observed on February 21 each year, celebrates linguistic diversity and promotes the preservation of mother languages worldwide. Established by UNESCO in 1999, it commemorates the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh, where people fought to recognize their language. The day highlights the importance of maintaining and protecting languages, many of which are endangered, to preserve cultural identity and heritage. Encouraging multilingualism supports inclusive communication and understanding across different communities, fostering mutual respect and cultural diversity worldwide.