Why International Mother Language Day 2020 is celebrated?

Team Udayavani, Feb 21, 2020, 1:57 PM IST

International Mother Language Day is celebrated across the world to safeguard and promote linguistic and cultural diversity among multilingualism on February 21.

Despite each and every language has its own significance and cultural background, there is a threat to many of the languages due to the globalization process. When these languages fade, there will be a scarcity in the world’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity.

According to the United Nations, at least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken around the world are endangered. The education system and public domain genuinely give importance only to a few hundred languages. In the digital world, the languages that found significant importance are less than 100.

Background:

The idea to celebrate Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, February 21 is the anniversary when many Bangladeshis fought for the recognition of the Bangla language.

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999.

The UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation of the day in its 2002 resolution.

United Nations General Assembly in its resolution called upon the Member States “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world” on 16 May 2007.

By the same resolution, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism and multiculturalism and named the UNESCO to serve as the lead agency for the Year.

This initiative increased awareness of language issues and also mobilized partners and resources for supporting the implementation of strategies and policies in favor of language diversity and multilingualism in all parts of the world.

The Theme for 2020:

The theme of International Mother Language Day 2020 is “languages without borders”. UNESCO says that local and cross-border languages can promote peaceful dialogue and help to preserve indigenous heritage.

Celebrations in India:

India is celebrating this event as ‘Matribhasha Diwas.’ There was an event held on this regard and Vice President, Venkaiah Naidu was the chief guest in the event.

Greetings on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day #InternationalMotherLanguageDay #MotherLanguageDay pic.twitter.com/f8FuZftVKq

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) February 21, 2020

Many other personalities, politicians, and ministers have wished people across the globe over social media.

Several educational institutions and language institutions are observing this day from the past three years. They will also organize elocution, debate, singing and essay writing competitions to celebrate Matribhasha Diwas.