International Mother Language Day - 21 February

20-02-2009 - 20-02-2009 (France) 

The International Mother Language Day, proclaimed by the General Conference of UNESCO in November 1999, has been observed yearly since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

It originated as the international recognition of Language Movement Day, which has been commemorated in Bangladesh since 1952.

The tenth International Mother Language Day on 21 February 2009 also provides an opportunity to recall the objective of this celebration to Member States: the recognition of linguistic diversity and the importance of multilingual education.

For more information:

• Message from Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2009
• Programme of the Day
• International Mother Language Day Poster
• Languages in Education