21st February International Mother Language Day

PLS BBC School Reporters prepared and presented about the importance of mother language in the school assemblies.
Here is the clip we have prepared to show students that many of our staff and students speak different mother language.

https://twitter.com/Plfcealstudents/status/831830180922548224

And here is the presentation:

Why do you think to be able to speak your Mother Language important?
Talk to the person next to you for
1 minute.


International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. First announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages.

Why International Mother Language Day? Linguistic and cultural diversity represent universal values that strengthen the unity and cohesion of societies. The recognition of the importance of linguistic diversity led to UNESCO’s decision to celebrate International Mother Language Day.

What does it celebrate?

International Mother Language Day’s objective is to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education, and to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.

History of International Mother Tongue Day

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 Dhaka university students were killed by the Pakistani police and army in Dhaka during the Bengali Language Movement. To remember them there is a monument named Language Martyr’s Monument (Shahid Minar) in Dhaka University, Bangladesh. Every year more than a million people give flowers there. This is a big event in Bangladesh. Many foreigners visit Bangladesh just to experience the way of Bangladeshi people give respect to those brave hearts. In every district of Bangladesh has a Language Martyr’s Monument, where local people give flower to remember those brave hearts.

What do people do? 

In Bangladesh, February 21 is the anniversary of a pivotal day in the country's history. People lay flowers at a Shahid Minar (martyr's monument). They also: purchase glass bangles for themselves or female relatives; eat a festive meal and organize parties; and award prizes or host literary competitions. It is a time to celebrate Bangladesh’s culture and the Bengali language.

Let’s read some poems: You can read them either in their original language or in English.

Memleket İsterim

I Want a Country

Memleket isterim Gök mavi, dal yeşil, tarla sarı olsun; Kuşların çiçeklerin diyarı olsun. Memleket isterim Ne başta dert, ne gönülde hasret olsun; Kardeş kavgasına bir nihayet olsun. Memleket isterim Ne zengin fakir, ne sen ben farkı olsun; Kış günü herkesin evi barkı olsun. Memleket isterim Yaşamak, sevmek gibi gönülden olsun; Olursa bir şikayet ölümden olsun. Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı

I want a country let the sky be blue, the bough green, the cornfield yellow let it be a land of birds and flowers I want a country let there be no pain in the head, no yearning in the heart let there be an end to brothers' quarrels I want a country let there be no rich and poor, no you and me on winter days let everyone have hose and home I want a country let living be like loving from the heart if there must be complaint, let it be of death translated by Bernard Lewis

 Thank you for listening and participating!
Give yourselves a round of applause…
From BBC School Reporters