International Mother Language Day | 21 Feb 2020
Why in News
International Mother Language Day is observed every year on 21st February since 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
Key Points
- The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh.
- It was approved at the UNESCO General Conference (1999) and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.
- UNESCO celebrates ‘Languages without borders’ on the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2020.
- The United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages.
- Globally 40% of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in mother tongue-based multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling.
- The Ministry of Human Resource and Development along with educational institutions and language institutions is celebrating the day as the Matribhasha Diwas in the country.