5 Essential Reasons To Celebrate International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is observed every year on February 21. It aims to promote linguistic & cultural diversity, and it also encourages multilingualism. International Mother Language Day’s motive is to make us aware of the fact that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion by leaving no one behind. Today, everyone is aware that languages play a significant role in development, intercultural dialogue, and ensuring cultural diversity. It also strengthens co-operation and attains quality education for all.

On this special occasion of International Mother Language Day 2021, Global Child Prodigy is here to make you aware of five reasons of why is our mother language important!

Why is Our Mother Language Important?

The importance of the mother tongue cannot be denied and here are some of the reasons why this is so.

1. Developing Communication Skills In Children

Many researchers believe that children who can understand & speak their mother tongue fluently are able to develop their cognitive skills faster. It is also believed that a student who is being educated in his/her mother tongue achieves higher success in academics than students who study in a different language.

2.  It Is Better To Communicate In Your Own Cultural Language

Languages provide us a good way to keep our culture alive. The thorough knowledge of a particular culture can be attained by just knowing the mother language. People can stay connected to roots of their culture by using their mother tongue.

3.  It becomes easier to learn second languages

It is a fact that children who are fluent in their mother tongue are able to learn another language in a much easier way. Because their language literacy skills already become stronger.

4.  Quite Better Employment Opportunities

For the businesses going global, there are many employment opportunities that are open to the local people who are fluent in their mother tongue. So if you know your mother tongue, lots of options are there to monetize your skills in your mother tongue.

5.  Boost your confidence

Generally, most children of immigrants forget mother tongue, or sometimes their parents don’t make them aware of it. But, parents need to understand the fact that speaking their mother tongue is a source of pride for children. It makes them of their culture and heritage. Moreover, it helps in boosting up their confidence.

History Of International Mother Language Day

In 1952, Bangladesh (which was Pakistan at that time) saw a massive language movement in Dhaka as the people were standing up for their rights. They began a large movement because the Pakistan government declared that Urdu would be the national language after independence. But the people living in East Pakistan were not happy with this decision as their mother language was Bangla.

They raised their voice as they wanted the Bangla language to be accepted as one of the official languages. College students of Dhaka did the first protest in the year 1952. After that, in 1956, the Pakistan government agreed to make Bangla one of the official languages. After this long struggle, on February 29, 1956, Bengali finally became the second official language of Pakistan. Then, in 1971, Bangladesh became a free country, and the Bengali language also became its official language.

Bangladesh initiated the idea to celebrate this day. It was because they got the acceptance of their mother language after a long period of struggle. In 1999, UNESCO gave a presentation on this topic at the UN General Conference. Since after the year 2000, February 21 has been International Day of Mother Language across the world. It is to give a tribute to the Bangladeshi martyrs.

Theme Of International Mother Language Day 2021

The theme of Mother Language day 2021 is “Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society“. This year’s celebration is a call on policymakers, parents, educators & teachers, and families to increase their multilingual education commitment. Also, it is to encourage inclusion in education to advance education recovery in the context of COVID-19. So, all the parents and teachers need to encourage their children or students to learn multiple languages and respect every language. 

The Global Child Prodigy wishes all the best to all the children, parents, teachers, policymakers, and everyone who will make people aware of the importance of multilingualism. 

Also Read : International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021