International Mother Language Day 2024: Language forms the cornerstone in communication. It is important to respect, accept and understand each other’s language to communicate effectively. The world is full of languages, cultures and traditions. The dialects of each language are also different. With every few kilometers the dialects change and the language also starts to differ. While it may seem confusing, that’s the beauty of diversity in the world and finding ways to collaborate and connect with each other. India is a symbol of linguistic and cultural diversity to the world with a variety of dialects spoken across the country.
However, the International Mother Language Day movement did not start in India – it started in Bangladesh. As we get ready to celebrate the special day, here are some facts to know:
Also read: Use of mother tongue is fundamental for learning
date:
Every year, International Mother Language Day is celebrated on 21st February, this year the special day is on Wednesday.
History:
On February 21, 1952, four students were killed when they started a movement to make Bengali an official language in Bangladesh. In November, 1999, the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed International Mother Language Day, which was later welcomed by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Importance:
The theme of this year’s International Mother Language Day is Multilingual Education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning. “Multilingual and multicultural societies thrive through the preservation of their languages, which serve as vehicles for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. However, linguistic diversity faces threats as more languages ​​become extinct. Currently, 40% of the global population lacks access to education in their native language, a figure that exceeds 90% in some regions. Research has shown that using learners’ native languages ​​in education can lead to better learning outcomes. , underscoring the benefits of fostering self-esteem and critical thinking skills. The approach also supports inter-generational learning and cultural preservation, the UN wrote on its official website.
