International Mother Language Day is an annual observance sponsored by UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization) to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
The mother language is the language(s) in which first words are spoken and thoughts expressed. Watch people from around the world share what their mother tongue is:
What’s yours? #motherlanguageday
International Mother Language Day 2017
2017 Theme: “Towards Sustainable Futures through Multilingual Education”
“On the occasion of this Day, I launch an appeal for the potential of multilingual education to be acknowledged everywhere, in education and administrative systems, in cultural expressions, and the media, cyberspace and trade.” -Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General.
“Education and information in the mother language is absolutely essential to improving learning and developing confidence and self-esteem, which are among the most powerful engines of development.” -Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General.
Read why multilingual education is important and how to implement it: