Today, February 21, is International Mother Language Day, a day dedicated to celebrating linguistic, cultural, and multilingual diversity. The International Mother Language Day was first proposed in 1999 and approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Bangladesh had originally suggested holding International Mother Language Day.
Why is International Mother Language Day 2023 celebrated?
Around 40% of people worldwide lack access to education in a language they can speak or comprehend. According to the United Nations, multilingual education is making progress as people are becoming more aware of its value, particularly in early schooling, and are committing themselves to its advancement in public life.
The Sustainable Development Goals’ emphasis on ensuring that no one is left behind and the importance of languages and multilingualism are both acknowledged on International Mother Language Day. Multilingual education based on mother tongue or first language is encouraged and promoted by UNESCO. It is a kind of education that starts with the language that the student already knows the best before introducing additional languages progressively. With this strategy, students whose mother tongue differs from the language of instruction can more easily make the transition from home to school, get a better understanding of the educational setting, and learn more effectively. The growth of inclusive communities that permit the coexistence and cross-fertilization of various cultures, worldviews, and knowledge systems is facilitated by multilingualism.
According to the United Nations, there is an increasing understanding that languages play a crucial role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in fortifying cooperation and achieving quality education for all, in creating inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilising political will for using science and technology benefits to promote sustainable development.
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