International Mother Language Day 2024: Date, Theme and History

February 21 is celebrated globally as International Mother Language Day. It is organized to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. India has been home to hundreds of languages and thousands of dialects since ancient times. The linguistic and cultural diversity of India makes it unique in the world.

• Language is not only a means of communication but it also represents diverse cultural and intellectual heritage.

International Mother Language Day 2024 Theme:

• The theme of International Mother Language Day 2024 is 'Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning’.Its 25th edition is being organized this year.
• The theme of International Mother Language Day 2020 was "Languages without Borders". The theme focuses on cross-border languages and helping to preserve indigenous heritage.

History of International Mother Language Day:

• UNESCO proclaimed International Mother Language Day in November 1999. The General Assembly of the United Nations welcomed the proclamation of the day in its 2002 resolution.
• A UN General Assembly resolution on May 16, 2007 called on member states to "protect and promote all languages used by the world's people".
• The United Nations General Assembly designated 2008 as the ‘International Year of Languages’ and UNESCO as the ‘Lead Agency of the Year’.

Main celebrations of International Mother Language Day 2024:

• This year, the webinar focused on two main topics;
  • The role of teachers will be increased in promoting quality multilingual teaching and learning.
  • Exploring technologies and their capacity to facilitate multilingual teaching and learning is essential.

Linguistic diversity in danger:

• Linguistic diversity is increasingly under threat as many languages are becoming extinct. 
• According to UNESCO, 40 percent of the world's population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand.