International Mother Language Day – February 21
Why It Matters More Than Ever for Our Children
Every year on February 21, the world observes International Mother Language Day — a day dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity and promoting the preservation of mother tongues.
At first glance, it may sound like just another “international day” on the calendar.
But if you are raising children away from your home country…If you’ve ever paused and wondered, “Will my child speak my language?” If you’ve tried teaching Hindi after a long day and been met with, “But why do I need this?”
Then this day is deeply personal.
Let’s explore what International Mother Language Day truly means — and why it matters so much for families like ours.
What Is International Mother Language Day?
International Mother Language Day was established by UNESCO in 1999 and has been observed globally since 2000.
The date — February 21 — commemorates the 1952 Language Movement in what is now Bangladesh, when students protested to protect their mother tongue, Bangla, and lost their lives in the process.
This day reminds us that:
- Language is tied to identity
- Language is tied to dignity
- Language is tied to freedom
It is not simply about vocabulary or grammar. It is about belonging.
What Is a Mother Language?
A mother language (or mother tongue) is:
- The first language a child learns at home
- The language spoken by parents and grandparents
- The language in which lullabies are sung
- The language in which stories are told
For many of us raising children outside India, this might be:
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Gujarati
- Punjabi
- Bengali
- Telugu
- Marathi
- Malayalam
- Kannada
- Or any of the hundreds of languages spoken across India
India alone is home to thousands of languages and dialects. And yet, around the world, many languages are disappearing every year. That is why this day matters.
Why International Mother Language Day Is Important
1. Language Preserves Culture
Festivals, proverbs, folk songs, and stories lose something powerful when separated from their original language.
Think about:
- The rhythm of Kabir’s dohas in Hindi
- The musical flow of Tamil poetry
- The earthy warmth of Punjabi folk songs
Translation carries meaning — but the original language carries emotion. When children learn their mother tongue, they don’t just learn words. They inherit a worldview.
2. Research Shows Bilingual Children Thrive
Studies consistently show that children who grow up bilingual:
- Develop stronger cognitive flexibility
- Have better problem-solving skills
- Show improved memory
- Gain cultural awareness and empathy
Speaking more than one language is not a burden. It is a gift. And International Mother Language Day reminds us to see it that way.
3. Language Builds Identity and Confidence
Children who understand their heritage language often:
- Communicate more easily with grandparents
- Feel proud of their roots
- Develop a stronger self-identity
For diaspora families, language is often the strongest bridge back home. Without it, cultural connections can slowly fade. With it, that bridge stays strong.
The Story Behind February 21
In 1952, when the government declared Urdu as the only national language of Pakistan, students in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) protested, demanding recognition for Bangla.
Several students were killed during these protests. Their sacrifice became a powerful symbol of linguistic rights.
In honor of this movement, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day — not just to remember the past, but to protect the future of languages everywhere. It is a reminder that language is not a trivial matter. It is worth protecting.
The Indian Context: A Land of Languages
India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.
- 22 officially recognized languages in the Constitution
- Hundreds of regional languages
- Thousands of dialects
From Hindi and Bengali in the north and east, to Tamil and Malayalam in the south, to Gujarati and Marathi in the west, to Manipuri and Assamese in the northeast
Each language carries centuries of literature, philosophy, music, and folklore.
The Challenge for Families Abroad
Let’s be honest. Teaching a heritage language is not always easy.
You may hear:
- “Everyone speaks English.”
- “It’s too hard.”
- “I don’t need it.”
And after a busy day of work, cooking, and homework, insisting on Hindi conversation can feel exhausting. But International Mother Language Day is a gentle reminder:
Even small efforts matter.
You do not need perfection.
You need consistency.
Simple Ways to Celebrate International Mother Language Day at Home
You don’t need a big event. Keep it meaningful and simple.
1. Story Time in Your Mother Tongue
- Read a short story in Hindi or your regional language
- Share a folktale from your childhood
- Ask grandparents to record a story
Stories are the easiest and most joyful way to build language skills.
2. Teach 5 New Words
Make it playful:
- 5 words for food
- 5 words for emotions
- 5 animal names
Turn it into a game. Children learn best when it feels fun.
3. Cook and Speak
While making dal, dosa, or roti:
- Name the ingredients in your language
- Ask children to repeat them
- Create a simple sentence practice
Language grows naturally in daily life.
4. Call the Grandparents
Nothing motivates children more than real conversation. Let them speak — even if it’s broken. Confidence grows with practice.
5. Create a Language Corner.
You can:
- Put up alphabet charts
- Add labeled objects
- Keep bilingual books accessible
Make the language visible in your home.
For Parents Who Feel Guilty
If your child already prefers English…If they respond in English even when you speak Hindi…If you feel you “started too late”…You are not alone. Language learning is not a race. Even exposure — hearing songs, watching cultural programs, visiting India — makes a difference. International Mother Language Day is not about pressure. It is about intention.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Languages Worldwide
According to UNESCO, many languages are endangered. When a language disappears:
- Unique traditions disappear
- Oral histories vanish
- Cultural identity weakens
By teaching our children their mother tongue, we are contributing — in our own small way — to global linguistic diversity. We are saying:
Our stories matter. Our words matter. Our heritage matters.
Final Thoughts
International Mother Language Day is not just a UNESCO observance. It is a quiet invitation.
An invitation to:
- Speak your language at home
- Tell your stories
- Sing your songs
- Pass down your words
Because when children inherit a language, they inherit more than vocabulary. They inherit memory. They inherit pride. They inherit belonging. And in a world that is becoming increasingly global and uniform, that sense of rooted identity is a priceless gift.
