Celebrating International Mother Language Day: February 21st
Hello, community!
February 21st is International Mother Language Day! It’s that special time of the year when we celebrate the incredible diversity of languages around the world. This isn’t just about words and grammar, it’s about identity, culture, and history. Our mother language is the first sound of comfort we hear as babies, the language we dream in, and the one that connects us to our roots. Pretty amazing, right?
Why Do We Celebrate It?
Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world" as adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 May 2007.
The origins of International Mother Language Day go back to Bangladesh, where in 1952, brave students stood up for their right to speak their native language, Bangla. Their sacrifice led to the recognition of linguistic rights, and in 1999 UNESCO declared February 21st as a day to honour all languages and promote multilingualism.
Languages are more than just a means of communication. They carry traditions, history, and knowledge passed down through generations. Sadly, many languages are disappearing, taking with them unique perspectives and ways of understanding the world. That’s why this day is so important: it reminds us to protect and celebrate linguistic diversity.
Imagine a world where everyone spoke the same language. Sure, communication would be easier, but think about all the incredible things we’d lose: stories, music, poetry, wisdom, and different ways of seeing the world.
How Can We Celebrate?
There are so many fun ways to celebrate International Mother Language Day! Here are a few ideas:
- Speak Your Language Proudly – Whether you’re fluent or just know a few words, embrace your mother tongue! Use it at home, with friends, or even on social media.
- Learn a New Phrase – Challenge yourself to learn a greeting or phrase in a language you don’t know. “Hello” in Swahili? That’s Jambo! “Thank you” in Romanian? It’s Multumesc! And many other words that you can learn right here, on OLS :-)
- Read or Listen to Something in Another Language – A book, a poem, a song—anything! There’s so much beauty in different ways of expression.
- Share Your Language Story – Talk to friends or family about what your mother tongue means to you. Or - on OLS! I invite you to share it in a comment on this discussion topic.
Language is a gift, and International Mother Language Day is a perfect time to appreciate it. So, let’s celebrate our own languages and respect others, because diversity is what makes the world so vibrant. Whether it’s through song, poetry, conversation, or simply saying “hello” in a new way, let’s take a moment to recognize the beauty of our linguistic roots.
So, tell us: what’s your mother language, and what’s your favourite word in it? Share it with us in this discussion topic and let’s spread the love for languages together!
Happy International Mother Language Day!
Roxana - OLS Community Manager - Romanian
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