The International Mother Language Day is observed every year on the 21st of February. UNESCO officially proclaimed the day in 1999 with the aim to promote “linguistic diversity and multilingual education” and to develop the “awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions all over the world” thereby inspiring “international solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue”. Language is so much more than just a means of communication. “Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage.” Indeed, something for us all to celebrate!
The #IMLD campaign aims to raise awareness for the International Mother Language Day. The goal is to see the day celebrated more widely all over the world, both in families, organisations, communities as well as on a national and global level.
This year’s theme for the day is “Inclusion in and through education: Language counts” This and other topics related to the values the day represents will be highlighted in the campaign which starts today, runs for 30 days and culminates on Saturday the 21st of February when we can all celebrate together.
/// UPDATE You are welcome to join in our International Mother Language Day Google Hangout Live On Air on the day itself ///
Join us in the campaign by visiting and liking the International Mother Language Day Celebration Facebook page and by sharing the daily posts through social media in the run-up to the day. The Facebook page will be a treasure trove of quotes, pictures, links to posts, articles, and activities to do with mother tongue, language, multilingualism, education, multiculturalism and diversity. Use the #IMLD hashtag to find others’ messages on social media and share them.
Thank you for being part of the campaign to raise awareness for the International Mother Language Day!
Yours,
Rita
P.S. If you want to contribute with your own blog post, article, activity etc. please ask to join the action group here, then check your ‘Other’ Facebook Inbox for a request to introduce yourself.
Hello! I would like to join the action group! I have an Blog that talks about lving abroad in spanish, called Viviendo en el extranjero: https://blogviviendoenelextranjero.wordpress.com/
Dear Isabel – you are welcome to join! Click on the link in the PS above to request to be included in the Facebook action group so we can add you!
Thank you,
Rita