User:Shorescanada/Mother Language Day: "Partials"

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International observances

Dedication of the International Mother Language Day Monument in Ashfield Park, Sydney, 19 February 2006

UNESCO chooses a theme for each International Mother Language Day, and sponsors related events at its Paris headquarters on or around 21 February each year. In 2008, the International Year of Languages formally began on International Mother Language Day.

People have shaped the way of celebrating International Mother Language Day. The celebration of the day among with the topic of multilingual diversity has inspired a number of international, national and provincial award ceremonies.

Celebration of International Mother Language Day

In Bangladesh

Group of people laying down flowers at a replication of the Martyr's Monument

In respect of the language martyrs (see Language Movement Day) — the students who died during a protest at the University of Dhaka on February 21, 1952 — the people in Bangladesh celebrate International Mother Language Day by laying down flowers to the Martyr's Monument (Shaheed Minar) and replications of that monument.

The people organize social gatherings, where they honour their language and culture, and hold literary competitions, draw Alpana on the roads, eat festive meals and listen to event themed songs, e.g. the "Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano" (translated: "Coloured in the blood of my brother").

Outside Bangladesh

International Mother Language Day is celebrated all over the world in countries like e.g. Chile, Russia, Philippines, Egypt and in Canada.

During the month of February, especially on February 21st, many people with different origins e.g. from e.g. Bangladesh, Pakistan and India are celebrating International Mother Language Day following the traditional example of the celebrations in Bangladesh. Replications of the Martyr's Monument are created and placed on a publicly available place, so that the people can honour the causalities from the protest in 1952. In events where people gather together to celebrate the topic of lingual diversity, people discuss and present their ideas and experiences, and use the occasion to cherish their cultural heritage.

Sponsorship and Awards

International Mother Language Day has inspired multiple organizations to recognize individual people for outstanding services to the community, and for the preservation of linguistic diversity and connected topics.

International Linguapax Award

The International Linguapax Award is awarded annually on 21st February on International Mother Language Day by Linguapax International in Barcelona, Spain. It aims to recognize and award the actions carried out in different areas in favour of the preservation of linguistic diversity, revitalization and reactivation of linguistic communities and the promotion of multilingualism.

Ekushey Heritage Award

Recipients of the BHESA Ekushey Heritage Award 2015

The Ekushey Heritage Award is an appreciation for people who stand out exceptionally in helping their community. It was introduced in 2014 by the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA) located in Alberta, Canada and is awarded annually. Today the award is open for people residing in the Province of Alberta, and considered is the work of the recipients in fields like education, social work, and community services. The achievement may be awarded to multiple recipients and is officially announced on International Mother Language Day.

Ekushey Youth Award

The Ekushey Youth Award has been introduced in February 2015 by the Mahinur Jahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF) and will be awarded annually to recipients, who stand out inspiring a young audience with their work and contributions in the fields of education, sports, youth activities, literature and community services here. The honour may be awarded multiple times and is open to residents of the Province of Alberta in Canada. The Ekushey Youth Award is announced on International Mother Language Day.

Implementation of Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is a public holiday in Bangladesh since 1953, where it is also known as Shohid Dibôsh, or Shaheed Day. It is a global observance but not a public holiday in other parts of the world. At 17 November 1999 the UNESCO General Conference officially recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day.

Implementation in Canada

Proclamation for the Province of British Columbia

International Mother Language Day has been introduced to the Canadian Parliament for recognition by Mr. Matthew Kellway on February 5, 2014. The introduction has been made in form of a Private Member's Bill, Bill C-573 (view Bill), the International Mother Language Day Act.

In 2015 two Canadian provinces, the Province of British Columbia and the Province of Manitoba have passed proclamations to officially observe International Mother Language Day on February 21st.

See also

• Language festival
• Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights
• Official languages of the United Nations

External links

• UNESCO homepage for International Mother Language Day
• UNESCO Education (includes links to information on past IMLD observances)
• The Makers of History: International Mother Language Day
• Worldwide event calendar on Mother Language Day celebrations
• Information about International Mother Language Day