International Mother Language Day 

The International Mother Language Day is celebrated on 21st February to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. UNESCO first announced it on 17th November 1999. With UN resolution 56/262 in 2002, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly. Mother Language Day is part of a significant endeavour launched by the United Nations General Assembly on 16th May 2007.

The day was recognized to “promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by world peoples. Bangladesh came up with the concept to commemorate International Mother Language Day. On 21st February, the people of Bangladesh celebrated the day when they campaigned to recognize the Bangla language. It is also observed in India’s West Bengal state.

Importance

In a recent International Mother Language Day statement, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stated that mother languages “influence millions of growing young brains.” UN believes that children learn best in their mother tongue and that giving them this chance is critical. Unfortunately, 40% of the world’s population does not have access to education in a language they can comprehend or speak. Using various languages might make life simpler or considerably more difficult.

‘If you communicate to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head,’ Nelson Mandela famously stated. You will touch his heart if you speak to him in his tongue.’Do you know? at least 43% of languages are endangered, and just around a hundred of them are utilized in the digital world. The majority of online communication is conducted in one or more languages. However, everyone has the right to speak their mother tongue and preserve the memories, traditions, and ways of thinking that it symbolizes. And this is the purpose of International Mother Language Day.

International Mother Language Day 2022

The International Mother Language Day in 2022 highlights the importance of languages. Furthermore, it highlights multilingualism in advancing inclusiveness and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, as early childhood care and education are the cornerstones of learning, UNESCO thinks education based on mother tongue should begin in the early years.

“Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and Opportunities” is the potential theme of the 2022 International Mother Language Day. The day highlights the potential role of technology in advancing multilingual education and supporting the development of high-quality teaching and learning for all. Technology can solve some of today’s most pressing educational issues are governed by the fundamental concepts of inclusion and equality. It may speed efforts to ensure equitable and inclusive lifelong learning opportunities. Inclusion in education necessitates multilingual education based on mother tongue.

Many nations worldwide used technology-based methods to ensure learning continuity during COVID-19 school closures. On the other hand, many students lacked the requisite technology, internet connection, accessible materials, modified content, and human assistance to pursue remote learning. Furthermore, language variety is not always reflected in online teaching and learning methods, programs, and material.

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