Well, look's like a nice coincidence after yesterday conversation, so I thought I will share this too to give one more reason to @SN to implement support for multilanguage and bring it one step forward in welcoming everyone.
What is the International Language Day
This day celebrates the amazing diversity of languages in our world and encourages us to appreciate the beauty of different cultures and compare it with our(s) to, ideally, learn from the differences between the two. Language Day has been officially celebrated since the early 2000s and is an important reminder that language unites us all – no matter where we come from or what language we speak. So this year, why not use Language Day as a chance to learn something new about another culture or even just practice speaking a foreign language? You pick your preferred one from the current list of over 7000!
Language Day History
It was the year 1952, in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), students and activists protested against the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language, leading to violent conflicts and several deaths. This Movement was able to make Bangla as an official language after the country was demanded to use Urdu.
In 1999 UNESCO declared February 21 as International Language Day to promote multilingual education, multilingualism, and awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity. The first International Language Day was observed the year after around the world to highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and diversity, encouraging people worldwide to appreciate their mother languages.
Two years later, in 2002, the UN General Assembly welcomed the decision by the UNESCO to proclaim February 21 as International Mother Language Day and encouraged its member states to promote the day.
Languages today
At least 43 per cent of all languages are endangered, and only fewer than 100 of the world's languages are used in the digital world. Most internet communication is in one of the following languages: English, Chinese Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Indonesian, Malayan, Japanese, Russian and German.
Everyone has the right to use their own mother language, and to keep the memories, traditions and ways of thinking that their language represents. And this is what International Mother Language Day is all about.
Language unites us
Language is a powerful tool for connecting people from different backgrounds and fostering understanding. Without language, it would be impossible to communicate our thoughts, feelings, and needs with one another. By learning new languages, we are able to access cultures that previously seemed out of reach and create a more open world.
Language reveals our history
Every language is unique – each one carries with it its own cultural heritage and history. By studying the evolution of language, we can learn about how different societies interacted in times past as well as uncover insights about why certain words or phrases have come to mean what they do today.
Language encourages creativity
Language can help us express ideas that would otherwise remain untouched by the written word. It has the power to motivate us and inspire new ways of thinking, helping us to break away from the mundane and focus on finding solutions that were formerly invisible to us.
How to Celebrate International Mother Language Day
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Read a book in your mother language Take some time out of your day to read a book in your mother language. Not only is this a great way to practice and sharpen your language skills, but it's also a great way to stay connected with your culture and heritage.
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Learn a new phrase Challenge yourself to learn at least one new phrase in your mother language each day. This can help you build confidence in speaking and understanding the language, as well as expand your vocabulary.
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Watch a movie in your mother language There are countless movies available in almost any language, so why not watch one in your mother language? It's a great way to immerse yourself in the language and culture, and you'll be able to understand the context of the conversation better.
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Write a letter Writing a letter or note to someone in your mother language can be a great way to show your appreciation for their culture and language. It can also be a great way to practice writing in the language too.
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Teach someone else Teaching someone else is an excellent way to celebrate International Mother Language Day. Find someone who is interested in learning your native language, and help them learn it! Not only will they benefit from the experience, but you will too.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."
--Nelson Mandela