Every year on February 21st, the world observes International Mother Language Day, a celebration dedicated to recognizing the power of language in shaping our identities, cultures, and experiences. While we often think of spoken and written languages, there is another form of language that plays an equally vital role in communication and cultural identity: Sign Language. For many Deaf children, Sign Language is their mother tongue, the first language they learn to communicate with, and the key to their cognitive and emotional development. This inclusion reminds us that a mother language isn’t only about spoken or written words; it’s about the medium through which a child first learns to connect with the world.
History of International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day was declared by UNESCO on 17 November 1999 and has been observed worldwide since February 21, 2000. The declaration was made in tribute to the Language Movement led by the people of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) in 1952.
The history traces back to the creation of Pakistan in 1947, which was divided into two geographically separate parts: East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan). Despite the fact that Bengali (Bangla) was the language spoken by the majority in East Pakistan, the government declared Urdu as the sole national language in 1948, disregarding the linguistic identity of the people in the East.
In 1952, students in East Pakistan began to protest, demanding Bengali be recognized as an official language, alongside Urdu. The protests were met with force, and on 21 February 1952, police opened fire on the demonstrators in Dhaka, killing several people, including Abdus Salam, Abul Barkat, and others, and injuring many more. This tragic incident marked a moment when people sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue.
To honor their bravery, Bangladesh observes International Mother Language Day as a national holiday, visiting the Shaheed Minar, a monument to the martyrs, to pay respect. The initiative to establish the day as a global observance came from Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam, two Bengalis living in Canada, who sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 1998. Their petition led to the proposal being formally presented by Bangladesh to UNESCO, culminating in the adoption of February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999.
This day, also known as Ekushey February, holds immense significance for the people of Bangladesh, as it commemorates the Language Movement Martyrs who gave their lives in the struggle to preserve their mother language, Bangla.
Sanskrit: The Mother of All Languages
Among the world’s vast linguistic landscape, Sanskrit is often considered the “mother of all languages.” As the foundational source of many Indo-European languages, it is the origin of several languages like Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, and Marathi. The linguistic structure of Sanskrit is exceptionally rich, precise, and adaptable, which is why learning it helps enhance the flexibility of the tongue and brain. The deep roots of Sanskrit make it easier for individuals to acquire other languages, especially those with complex phonetic systems.
Sanskrit is also considered the oldest language in recorded human history. It was used not only by divine men and scholars but also by the royal courts and the people of ancient Indian Kingdoms. The scriptures of the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Vedas—epic stories and religious texts that form the heart of Indian culture—were written in this sacred language. Sanskrit is far more than just a language; it holds spiritual significance, thought to connect us with divine wisdom and understanding.
The term “mother” language carries a special significance. It represents the nurturing force that shapes our worldview and cognition, just as a mother provides the foundational care and nurturing for a child’s growth. This symbolic “mother” role is not only about communication, but also about identity, culture, and emotional connection—the same role that Sanskrit and other ancient languages have played for millennia.
Language: The Foundation of Human Connection
Language is the most powerful tool humanity has developed for communication. It allows us to express our emotions, ideas, and knowledge—to connect with one another on a deep and meaningful level. Before the development of written language, symbols were the primary means of communication, conveying messages and ideas through pictorial representations. Over time, these symbols evolved into structured languages that gave birth to spoken and written words.
Sanskrit, as one of the oldest and most structured languages, was used by the divine men and scholars to record not only religious texts but also to preserve the intellectual heritage of ancient civilizations. The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vedas, and countless other texts from ancient India were written in Sanskrit, becoming the foundation of Indian culture, philosophy, and spirituality.
Global and Indian Linguistic Diversity
The world is home to over 7,000 languages, each with its own nuances, expressions, and cultural significance. When we turn our attention to India, the linguistic diversity becomes even more astonishing. India officially recognizes 22 languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, alongside Hindi and English at the national level.
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada. Kashmiri, Konkan, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
Each of these languages carries its own history, traditions, and worldview. The ability to speak a particular language profoundly impacts how individuals process information, how they express emotions, and how they perceive their surroundings.
In fact, Indian currency notes proudly display these 22 languages, showcasing the country’s rich linguistic diversity. This highlights the importance of each language in contributing to India’s cultural identity and unity. Every language in India has its own history, traditions, and expressions that play a critical role in shaping the lives and identities of millions of people.
There are numerous unofficial languages spoken across the country. Estimates suggest that there are over 450 languages spoken in India, according to the Census of India and various linguistic surveys. However, the exact number can vary due to dialects and regional variations.
The Role of Sign Language: A Mother Tongue for Deaf Children
For Deaf children, Sign Language is often their first language, their mother tongue, and the means by which they begin to engage with the world around them. Just like spoken languages, Sign Language is full of grammar, structure, and cultural depth. It allows Deaf children to develop cognitive, intellectual, and social abilities.
While spoken languages are the primary medium of communication for the hearing population, Sign Language is the foundation for communication for Deaf individuals. It is equally rich in structure, expression, and meaning. For Deaf children, learning Sign Language is an essential part of cognitive development. It empowers them to develop their intellectual abilities and memory, just as spoken languages do for hearing children. Moreover, the psychological benefits are profound. When children learn a language that is specifically tailored to their sensory needs (i.e., visual and gestural), they experience a greater sense of belonging, self-expression, and confidence.
Language, Cognition, and the Psychology of Communication
Languages—whether spoken, signed, or written—are deeply tied to how we think. They shape our memory, cognitive processes, and emotional responses. For example, in spoken languages, the rhythm, pitch, and pace of communication influence the way we perceive and express emotions. In Sign Language, these elements are expressed through hand movements, facial expressions, and body posture.
The human brain is uniquely wired to recognize sounds, structures, and patterns, whether they’re auditory or visual. A Deaf child’s brain develops the same neural pathways for language as a hearing child’s brain does—it just happens through a different medium. Sign Language employs spatial memory and visual processing, using gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. This kind of learning helps develop a flexible cognitive system that is crucial in acquiring any other form of communication, whether verbal or non-verbal.
Scientific Insights Behind Mother Languages
The scientific foundation behind mother languages is rooted in neurolinguistics—the study of how language is processed in the brain. When we learn a language, the brain forms neural connections that help us understand and produce speech (or gestures). In Deaf children, these connections are established through visual language rather than auditory signals.
For Deaf children, Sign Language isn’t just a tool for communication—it shapes thought processes, social behavior, and learning abilities. The gestures and facial expressions used in Sign Language activate parts of the brain associated with visual-spatial processing, which is critical for abstract thinking and problem-solving. It also helps strengthen visual memory and motor skills, essential for both communication and cognitive development.
The Influence of English as a Global Language
From a global perspective, the spread of English is an interesting phenomenon, especially when seen through the lens of history and its influence. The British Empire, in its time of colonial dominance, ruled over vast parts of the world, bringing with it English as the medium of administration and communication. The British Empire colonized many countries, extracting resources and imposing their own systems. However, what began as an act of control and dominance transformed into a powerful tool of global communication.
Over time, English evolved beyond its colonial roots. Today, it has become the lingua franca of the world. It serves as the primary language of business, science, technology, and education. The Internet, for example, has made English the common medium for sharing knowledge, fostering cross-cultural communication, and breaking down barriers across the globe. As a result, English is no longer just the language of the British or the colonial powers but a global language that helps people from all over the world connect, collaborate, and learn.
Why “Mother” Language, Not “Father” Language?
The term “mother language” carries deep significance. It speaks to the nurturing role that language plays in the development of a child. Just as a mother nourishes a child’s growth, the mother language nurtures the growth of cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and social identity. This connection between language and identity is profound for all people, whether they speak a spoken language, like Sanskrit or Hindi, or a visual language, like Sign Language. It is the first language that allows a child to fully express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Honoring All Languages
International Mother Language Day, or Ekushey February, is a celebration of the rich diversity of languages, not only in terms of spoken and written communication but also in terms of visual languages like Sign Language. Whether through Sanskrit, English, Bengali, Mandarin, or Sign Language, every language represents the heart of human culture, cognition, and expression.
On this day, we honor the mother tongues of every community—the spoken, the written, and the signed. Let’s acknowledge that language is not just a tool for communication; it is the very thread that weaves together the fabric of our identities, memories, and intellectual capacities.
By supporting and preserving all forms of mother languages, we preserve the diversity of human thought and expression for generations to come.
The 2025 Theme: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day
In 2025, we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of International Mother Language Day, marking 25 years of efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote mother tongues. This milestone reminds us that languages are essential to education and sustainable development, serving as the primary means through which knowledge is transferred, and cultures are preserved.
With over 8,324 languages spoken around the world, many of them are at risk of extinction due to globalization and societal changes. Ensuring that education systems support the right to learn in one’s mother tongue is vital to improving learning outcomes. Students who are taught in their mother language show better comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking skills. Multilingual education, especially for minority and indigenous languages, strengthens the link between education and culture, fostering more inclusive and equitable societies.
The 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day emphasizes the critical importance of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education, and fostering more peaceful societies. As we commemorate this milestone, let’s renew our commitment to promoting and protecting the mother languages that give us voice, identity, and meaning.
PK Movie Scene:
Aamir Khan plays the role of an alien named PK who is stranded on Earth. At one point in the film, he ends up in a jail where he is trying to understand the complex human behaviors, including language and communication.
During a scene in jail, PK is puzzled by the concept of language. He humorously points out that humans use different languages to communicate with each other, yet they fight over them, not realizing that they all essentially mean the same thing. He highlights how people in different regions speak different languages, but despite the differences, they all convey the same emotions, thoughts, and needs.
PK’s innocent and childlike perspective helps him observe the absurdity of human behavior. The scene is meant to show how, in his alien logic, language is just a tool for communication, and the divisions that humans create based on languages are arbitrary and unnecessary. The dialogue humorously critiques the human tendency to create divisions and conflicts over something as trivial as language.
