February 18th, 2022

International Mother Language Day is observed every year on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

At WRDSB, we want every student to feel like they belong, and we strive to create a language-friendly environment in every school. In recognition of International Mother Language Day, WRDSB multilingual students have been creating artwork and recording themselves saying “My Language, My Identity” in their mother languages. We will be sharing these videos on social media, and the WRDSB will highlight the diversity of languages spoken by students and in WRDSB language programs.

International Mother Language Day was established by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999 to celebrate languages and promote international understanding through multilingualism and multiculturalism. On February 21, 1952, three students from Dhaka University were killed during a demonstration calling for recognition for their language Bangla (also known as Bengali). International Mother Language Day honours the loss of these students and their advocacy.