Tag Archives: International Mother Language Day

Tribute to the Language Fighters: International Mother Language Day Observed

01Dhaka, 21 February: In celebration of International Mother Language Day, UNIC Dhaka, UNESCO Bangladesh and Daffodil International University (DIU) jointly organized a seminar, cultural show, drama and exhibition at DIU auditorium on 21 February 2015. UNESCO Representative in Bangladesh Ms. Beatrice Kuldun was the chief guest (represented by PO) while Prof Dr. Lutfar Rahman Vice-Chancellor of DIU presided over the session. The Pro-VC of DIU Prof Dr. Golam Rahman spoke as guest of honour and UNIC Officer-in-Charge M Moniruzzaman delivered a lecture as special guest. Language researcher Prof Dr. Begum Jahan ara of Dhaka University delivered a key-note speech. UNESCO Programme Officer Kizzy Tahnin read-out chief guest’s statement. All the speakers expressed their solidarity to victims of language movement who lost their lives during 1952. A cultural event and drama on mother language movement was staged before the audience. among others university students, young people, activists, media persons and UN officials took part in the programme. Youtube:  youtube

Seminar and Cultural Programme on Int’l Mother Language Day – 23 February 2014

Dhaka, 23 February: In order to create awareness among the young people about how to protect, preserve, promote and up-hold all languages of the world, UNIC Dhaka and Daffodil Int’l University (DIU) jointly organized a seminar and cultural programme on Int’l Mother Language Day at DIU auditorium on 23 February 2014. The Director-General of Int’l Mother Language Institute was the chief guest while Prof Dr Aminul Islam of DIU was key-note speaker. Kiichi Oyachu, UNESCO OIC  spoke on the occasion as guest of honour. UNIC OIC M. Moniruzzaman delivered an introductory speech and read-out UN SG’s translated message on the Day. The Bangla message was also distributed among the participants. Ex-OIC of UNIC Kazi Ali Reza spoke on the occasion as special guest. Around 200 students took part in the programme. UNESCO OIC formally launched the Daffodil Institute of Langauges. A cultural programme performed by foreign students was staged before the audience. Prizes were distributed among the winners of Language Art Contest which was organized prior to the main events.

 

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2014

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International Mother Language Day celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity alongside multilingualism as a force for peace and sustainable development.

As we work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals while mapping out a post-2015 sustainable development agenda, this diversity can encourage dialogue, mutual understanding, innovation and creativity. This in turn can help us build more just and inclusive societies. As the late President Nelson Mandela once said, “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”.

The theme of this year’s observance spotlights the vital role of local languages in advancing science. This will help ensure that the latest scientific knowledge is more widely shared. At the same time, it will help deepen and enrich our global knowledge base with more traditional but often overlooked scientific wisdom.

Let us all join forces to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism as a key element in our efforts to build a better world and a life of dignity for all.