International Mother Language Day 2023: Date, Background, Facts

Annually, International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21. This movement began as a Bangla language movement in what is now the independent nation of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan. It was begun to preserve the Bangla language, which was widely spoken by Bangladeshis. This day reminds us that there are numerous languages in the world, and that we must work to preserve their heritage and existence.

The background of International Mother Language Day

Since 2000, International Mother Language Day has been celebrated annually around the globe. The UNESCO first announced it on November 17, 1999. With the adoption of U.N. resolution 56/262, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognised it later in 2002.

It was a Bangladeshi initiative to commemorate International Mother Language Day. The 21st of February is also the anniversary of the fight for recognition of the Bangla language by the people of Bangladesh. This topic dates back to 1947, when Pakistan was established. It included the geographically distinct East Pakistan and West Pakistan regions. These regions had notably dissimilar cultures and languages.

Dhirendranath Datta of East Pakistan argued in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in 1948 for the inclusion of Bangla as a national language alongside Urdu. Numerous protests were held to achieve this, but the government of Pakistan banned public meetings and rallies to quell these demonstrations. Following this, University of Dhaka students and the general public organised massive rallies and meetings. The police even fired upon these demonstrations.

Rafiqul Islam’s proposal was introduced to the Bangladesh parliament many years after the country’s inception. In addition, the Government of Bangladesh made a formal proposal to UNESCO. On November 17, 1999, the 30th General Assembly of UNESCO unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming February 21 as International Mother Language Day to honour those who sacrificed their lives on this day in 1952.

Bangladeshis commemorate this day by paying a visit to the Shaheed Minar, a monument erected in memory of the martyrs, and its replicas in order to express their profound sorrow and respect.

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International Mother Language Day: 5 FACTS

The majority of Indian languages can be divided into four groups: Afro-Asiatic, Dravidian, Indo-Aryan, and Sino-Tibetan.

There are approximately 7,000 languages in the world.

With 840 languages, Papua New Guinea has the most languages in the world.

Approximately 2,400 languages are on the verge of extinction across the globe.

With over 250,000 words, English is the language with the most vocabulary.

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY DATES