Every year on February 21, the world comes together to celebrate International Mother Language Day—a day that reminds us of the beauty, diversity, and importance of linguistic heritage. As a translator and language enthusiast, this day holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about celebrating the languages we grew up speaking but also about recognizing the role they play in shaping our identity and preserving cultural traditions.
Languages are more than a means of communication; they’re a gateway to understanding worldviews, history, and art. When I work on translations, especially literary ones, I’m reminded of how words carry cultural nuances that can’t always be directly translated. It’s in these moments that the value of preserving mother languages becomes clear—they carry the soul of a people.
International Mother Language Day was established in 1999 by UNESCO to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education. It also honors the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh, where students sacrificed their lives for the recognition of their mother tongue, Bangla. This day serves as a poignant reminder that language is not just a tool but also a right worth protecting.
In my line of work, I’ve seen how the disappearance of languages erases unique ways of thinking. Did you know that one language disappears every two weeks, taking centuries of knowledge with it? That’s why it’s so important to celebrate and safeguard all languages, no matter how “minority” they might seem.
For me, International Mother Language Day is a call to action. Whether it’s through teaching, translating, or simply encouraging people to embrace their linguistic roots, we can all contribute to keeping languages alive. I’ve even started exploring ways to incorporate indigenous and endangered languages into my projects to raise awareness about their significance.
So, on February 21, take a moment to reflect on your own linguistic journey. What’s your mother language? How does it shape your identity and connection to the world? Let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of languages that make our world so wonderfully diverse.
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Until next time, take care and stay safe!
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Translation Expert 