21 Feb. - The (Ninth) International Mother Language Day

21 February was proclaimed the International Mother Language Day by UNESCO on 17 November 1999. Its observance was also formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages.

International Mother Language Day originated as the international recognition of Language Movement Day, which has been commemorated in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) since 1952, when a number of Bangladeshi university students were killed by the then East Pakistan police and army in Dhaka, formerly Dacca.

International Mother Language Day is Mother Language Day is proclaimed by UNESCO to save vulnerable languages and cultures, and promote multilingual culture around the world. Slowly, more and more countries and cities are observing the day with UNESCO.

Today 21 February 2008 is the occasion of a double celebration as it also marks the launch of the International Year of Languages with the slogan “languages matter!”