International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is a global observance that seeks to promote and appreciate linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. It is a day for all to take pride in their respective mother tongues and cultures, acknowledging their unique identities while fostering mutual respect and understanding. The celebration aims to enable people from different linguistic backgrounds to converse and interact freely, dispelling prejudices and stereotypes. It also seeks to engage governments, civil society and the private sector in formulating sound language policies that recognise and harness the potential benefits of linguistic diversity.

This commemoration traces its roots back to 1952, when students staged a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, fighting for the recognition of their language, Bengali. For New Zealand, the observance carries particular significance, given the nation's status as a bi-cultural society where English and Māori are the official languages. Although English is the most widely spoken, the revitalisation of the Māori language has been a significant focus, especially with the introduction of 'Te Reo in schools. Beyond these two, the increasing influx of migrants has also led to the acknowledgement of other languages like Samoan, Hindi, and Mandarin.

Across New Zealand, International Mother Language Day is celebrated in various ways. The Human Rights Commission usually hosts an event that highlights different languages spoken throughout the country. Other initiatives have included multi-lingual storytelling sessions at public libraries, language workshops, and multicultural performances. Schools also engage students in different activities aimed at promoting language diversity. In New Zealand, International Mother Language Day is observed on the same date as the rest of the world, February 21st, marking a day of recognition, appreciation, and promotion of linguistic diversity and multiculturalism.