February 21 is International Mother Language Day
February 21 is celebrated as International Mother Language Day. In November 1999, at the initiative of the Ambassador of Bangladesh, the day was declared as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO.
The history of this day goes back many years. On February 21-22, 1952, in Pakistan, a protest against the banning of the Bengali language led to a clash, resulting in the deaths of 4 people. Representatives of Bangladesh suggested naming February 21 as Mother Language Day in honor of those who died. On the UNESCO General Conference, February 21 was declared as International Mother Language Day, and member countries were encouraged to organize events, conferences, and seminars in schools and universities to raise awareness about the importance of the mother language.
International Mother Language Day, held annually to protect languages at risk of extinction, reminds everyone of the right to preserve, develop, and take pride in one's mother tongue.
This year's theme for International Mother Language Day is dedicated to the importance of protecting the languages of indigenous peoples for achieving sustainable development, peace, and reconciliation. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay addressed the world community, stating that approximately 40% of the world’s population do not have the opportunity to study in their native language. While the importance of knowing one’s mother tongue in easing the process of learning and acquiring other languages is scientifically proven, unfortunately, native languages are rarely used in the early stages of education. The statement emphasizes the importance of ensuring the opportunity for indigenous peoples to receive education in their native languages to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Language is the most important and powerful tool for preserving and developing the material and spiritual heritage of a nation. The mother tongue plays a crucial role in enriching one’s spiritual world, broadening one’s worldview, acquiring a perfect education, and establishing communication with fellow countrymen. Any restriction on the use of the mother language is a crime. International Mother Language Day calls everyone to unite against this crime.
The elevation of a language to the status of a state language is a proud historical event, a golden page in the history of national statehood, and a confirmation of a nation as a nation. Today, thanks to the state status of the Azerbaijani language, our language has become a symbol of the spiritual vitality of the nation. We must be grateful to national leader Heydar Aliyev for the great efforts he made to ensure the preservation of our language.
The comprehensive development of the Azerbaijani language, its use in international relations, and its spread in daily life is the result of a well-thought-out policy directed at preserving the language by Heydar Aliyev. The foundations of this policy were laid back in 1970 when he spoke in Azerbaijani at the 50th anniversary of Azerbaijan State University (now Baku State University). Shortly afterward, the language was officially adopted for state events. The recognition of the Azerbaijani language as the official state language in the 1978 Constitution of the Azerbaijan SSR was a significant event for that period.
The adoption of the Law on the State Language of the Republic of Azerbaijan on September 30, 2002, was another step toward the use, protection, and development of Azerbaijani as the state language. This document is a clear example of Heydar Aliyev’s boundless love and care for the people and their language. These traditions are now successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev, whose decrees and programs, such as “On the implementation of publications in Latin script,” “On the publication of the Azerbaijan National Encyclopedia,” and others related to the use of the Azerbaijani language and the development of linguistics, are manifestations of great care for the development of our language.
