International Mother Language Day 2024: History, Significance And Theme

The theme for International Mother Language Day 2024 is "Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning".

International Mother Language Day is observed globally every year on February 21 to recognise and promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. According to UNESCO, the idea to celebrate this day was the initiative of Bangladesh and was approved in 1999 at UNESCO General Conference. "UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others," the UN body said.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO, International Mother Language Day was recognised on the initiative of Bangladesh and has been observed throughout the world since the year 2000.

The UN agency expressed concern over the disappearance of languages across the world. It said that globally, 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in the language they speak or understand. So, as a commitment towards understanding the importance of the mother language or mother tongue, UNESCO decided to observe the day.