Born on February 21
International Mother Language Day
Say it in the language of home.
Next: February 21, 2027
Where it comes from
The idea came from Bangladesh, where 21 February is remembered for the students and citizens who stood up for the right to speak Bangla. UNESCO's General Conference proclaimed International Mother Language Day in November 1999, and the world has marked it since 2000.
How it's celebrated
UNESCO and the United Nations hold talks and events on multilingual education, including online sessions where students share why learning in their own language matters. In Bangladesh the day is also one of quiet remembrance.
Did you know
UNESCO estimates that there are 8,324 languages, spoken or signed, of which around 7,000 are still in use.
Read the full story of International Mother Language Day
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