International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is a global observance that promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and encourages the use of mother languages. Recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and various other international associations, this day is marked to advocate the sustained preservation and protection of all languages used by communities globally. This includes the importance of mother languages in bolstering multilingualism for inclusivity, enhancing the quality of education, and helping to accelerate sustainable development.

The idea of International Mother Language Day first emerged following a violent conflict in Bangladesh in 1952, where four students were killed whilst campaigning against the imposition of Urdu as the National language. The day has been in observance globally since 21st February 2000 after it was formally recognised by UNESCO in 1999. In Australia, with over 300 separately identified languages spoken at home, International Mother Language Day underscores the importance of respecting linguistic diversity and promoting equal use of all languages. Indigenous Australian languages, endangered and diminishing are a particular focus, given their significance to cultural identity, local history and indigenous peoples' connection to the land.

In Australia, events celebrating International Mother Language Day vary across different communities, schools and organisations. These activities typically include cultural festivals, language learning workshops, academic conferences, art exhibitions and music performances. Encouraging individuals to maintain their mother language despite English being the dominant language, these activities create recognition for Australia’s linguistic diversity and promote social cohesion. This observance, consistent with its global timing, takes place annually on 21st February.