International Mother Language Day is observed on 21 February. It is a day dedicated to celebrating and nurturing our mother tongues. UNESCO first proclaimed the observance in 1999 to promote linguistic diversity and highlight the importance of languages in people’s lives.
A mother tongue is more than words. It is part of our identity, culture and history – a bridge to the traditions, thoughts and worldview of earlier generations. Every language has its own distinctive sound, vocabulary and modes of expression, allowing us to communicate what can otherwise be difficult to put into words.
The day also reminds us how important it is to preserve languages. Sadly, many languages are disappearing, taking part of the world’s cultural heritage with them. Each of us can help nurture our mother tongue by speaking it with family and friends, learning new words, exploring its history and sharing its beauty with the world.
Let us celebrate our mother tongues today and every day!
