International Mother Language Day

Linguistic and cultural diversity represent universal values that strengthen the unity and cohesion of societies. The recognition of the importance of this diversity led to UNESCO’s decision to celebrate International Mother Language Day.

The General Conference of UNESCO, at its 30th session, in 1999, decided to proclaim and to observe an International Mother Language Day. This Day is celebrated on 21 February every year throughout the world.

The day aims at promoting linguistic diversity and multilingual education, and to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.

2000 -

2001 Linguistic pluralism and cultural diversity

2002 -

2003 -

2004 -

2005 Braille and sign languages

2006 Languages and cyberspace

2007 Linkages between mother tongue and multilingualism

2008 Languages matter!

2009 -

Stamp catalogue - 2000

Bangladesh 21 February 2000

Stamp catalogue - 2002

Bangladesh 21 February 2002

Stamp catalogue - 2009

Bangladesh 20 February 2009

Up - Home

last revised: 11 November 2009