International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language is celebrated every year on February 21st to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and encourage the preservation of mother languages around the world.
This day is recognised by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and emphasises the importance of languages in fostering inclusion, communication, and cultural heritage. The day was established by UNESCO in 1999 and has been observed worldwide since 2000.
Why Mother Languages Matter?
- For Learning: Our first language helps us think, learn, and express ourselves better.
- For Culture: It keeps stories, traditions, and heritage alive.
- For the World: Many languages are disappearing, and we need to save them to keep our cultural diversity.
How to Celebrate
Learn About Languages: Find out more about the languages spoken in your community or country.
Use Your Language: Speak, read, or write in your mother tongue and share it with others.
Help Endangered Languages: Support groups that work to save disappearing languages.
Support Education: Promote learning in children’s native languages at school.
Share Your Culture: Host or join events that showcase stories, songs, and traditions in different languages.
Raise Awareness: Share facts or stories about languages on social media.
Learn a New Language: Take a language course or encourage someone to learn your language.
The Message
Every language is important. It holds the history and culture of its people. By celebrating and protecting languages, we ensure that future generations can enjoy the world’s rich diversity.
Ready to find out more?
Find out more about International Mother Language Day on the UN website.
Article by
Rashda Salamat
English as an additional language Teacher
Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service
rashda.salamat@northtyneside.gov.uk