February 21st is International Mother Language Day.

The date was chosen to commemorate the tragic events of 1952 in Dhaka (Bangladesh), when during a student demonstration in defense of the Bengali language, police opened fire, resulting in several casualties.

According to the UN, there are about 7,000 languages in the world, yet 45% of them are at risk of extinction. One language disappears every two weeks, taking with it unique cultural heritage.

The situation regarding access to education in one's native language remains particularly concerning. 40% of the world's population lacks the opportunity to learn in a language they understand, and in some regions, this figure reaches 90%. Less than 100 languages are represented in the digital space, which limits access to information and technology for many peoples.

The UN is taking steps to protect linguistic heritage. In 2008, the International Year of Languages was declared, and from 2022 to 2032, the International Decade of Indigenous Languages is being held, aimed at preserving endangered dialects and cultural traditions.

Each year, the International Mother Language Day is dedicated to various themes: the preservation of intangible heritage, the role of language in education, the Braille system and sign language, and multilingualism as a tool for transferring knowledge between generations.

UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura emphasized that languages are not only tools for communication but also reflections of the historical experiences of peoples. He noted, "The mother tongue shapes a unique perception of the world from childhood, which remains with a person for a lifetime."

Preserving languages is important not only from a cultural perspective. It is a strategic factor for sustainable development and strengthening harmonious relations among peoples. Only global acceptance of multilingualism will allow all languages to find their place in a rapidly changing world influenced by globalization.