International Mother Language Day (IMLD)

Awareness - Activism - Legislation

​​

​International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is celebrated globally on 21 February each year, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity, and the promotion of multilingualism.

 

Established by UNESCO in 1999 and first observed in 2000, IMLD commemorates the tragic events of 21 February 1952, when students in Dhaka (now Bangladesh) sacrificed their lives while demanding recognition of Bengali as a national language in the then-Pakistan. Their courage sparked a global movement to protect and celebrate the world’s mother tongues.

​

Rononiti’s Work in the UK & Europe

Rononiti is at the forefront of raising awareness about IMLD across the UK and Europe. As the official representative of the Mother Language Lovers of the World Society (MLLWS) in this region, Rononiti plays a pivotal role in:

• Advocacy and Awareness: Rononiti organises campaigns and events that highlight the importance of linguistic diversity, drawing attention to the challenges faced by minority and endangered languages.

• Collaboration: The organisation works closely with private and public sector stakeholders, academic institutions, and cultural organisations—both nationally and internationally—to promote IMLD’s objectives.

• Educational Initiatives: By partnering with schools, universities, and community groups, Rononiti encourages mother tongue-based learning, which is proven to enhance comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking, especially among marginalised communities2.

• Cultural Programmes: Rononiti supports and hosts cultural events that celebrate the heritage and traditions embedded in mother languages, fostering greater understanding and respect among diverse communities.

​

“Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage.” – UNESCO.

​

By working together across sectors and borders, Rononiti and its partners are helping to build a more inclusive, tolerant, and culturally rich society—one language at a time.​