International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is observed on 21 February each year across the world. The purpose of this day is to highlight the importance of protecting and respecting people’s native languages. A mother language is the first language a person learns from childhood, and it plays an important role in shaping a person’s identity, culture, and way of thinking.

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 to encourage linguistic and cultural diversity around the world. The date also remembers the students who lost their lives in 1952 in Bangladesh while demanding the recognition of their mother language, Bengali. Their sacrifice became a symbol of the struggle to protect language rights.

Languages are valuable because they carry the traditions, knowledge, and cultural practices of communities from one generation to another. However, many languages around the world are gradually disappearing due to globalisation and the dominance of widely used languages. Because of this, it is important to protect and promote mother languages so that cultural knowledge and traditions are not lost.

In Sri Lanka, language plays a significant role in society. The main mother languages spoken in the country are Sinhala and Tamil, and both languages are officially recognised. These languages represent the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Sri Lankan people. English is also widely used as a link language that helps communication among different communities.

Schools, universities, and cultural institutions in Sri Lanka often mark International Mother Language Day by organising educational programs, cultural performances, discussions, and language-related activities. These events help students and the public understand the importance of respecting linguistic diversity and encourage the younger generation to value and preserve their mother languages.