Mother Language Day – Why It Matters

Every year on February 21st the world marks Mother Language Day. The day was set up by UNESCO to remind us that language is more than words – it’s culture, identity, and history packed into sound. When a language disappears, we lose stories, songs, and ways of thinking that can’t be replaced.

India is home to hundreds of languages, from Hindi and Tamil to Khasi and Santali. Even within the same state you’ll hear multiple tongues spoken on a single street. That mix makes life interesting, but it also means some languages are at risk because younger generations switch to more dominant ones.

How to Celebrate at Home

Celebrating doesn’t need a big event. Start by talking to family members who speak a different language. Ask them to teach you a phrase or a bedtime story in their mother tongue. Record the conversation – you’ll have a tiny piece of heritage to keep.

Cook a dish that comes with a special language. While preparing it, read the recipe in its original language. You’ll get a taste of the culture and a chance to practice new words.

Kids love games. Create a simple word‑matching game with cards that show a word in two languages. It’s a fun way to show that learning another language is easy and rewarding.

Simple Ways to Support Language Preservation

Support local radio stations or podcasts that broadcast in regional languages. Their listeners keep the language alive every day.

Donate time or money to NGOs that document endangered languages. Many groups are looking for volunteers to help transcribe stories or teach basic literacy.

Share content online in your mother tongue. A short video, a meme, or a post in a regional language can reach thousands and encourage others to do the same.

Read books written in different languages. Even if you need a translation, the experience supports authors who write in those languages.

Finally, treat every language you hear with respect. Don’t dismiss a dialect just because it sounds unfamiliar. Each one has value and a right to be heard.

Mother Language Day is a reminder that language connects us to our roots and to each other. By taking small steps – learning a phrase, cooking a traditional meal, or supporting language projects – you become part of a global effort to keep linguistic diversity thriving. So this February 21st, pick one simple action and celebrate the languages that shape who we are.