International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day History

International Mother Language Day promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and encourages the use of mother languages. Recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and various other international associations, this day is marked to advocate the sustained preservation and protection of all languages used by communities globally. This includes the importance of mother languages in bolstering multilingualism for inclusivity, enhancing the quality of education, and helping to accelerate sustainable development.

The idea of International Mother Language Day first emerged following a violent conflict in Bangladesh in 1952, where four students were killed whilst campaigning against the imposition of Urdu as the National language. The day has been in observance globally since 21st February 2000 after it was formally recognised by UNESCO in 1999. In Australia, with over 300 separately identified languages spoken at home, International Mother Language Day underscores the importance of respecting linguistic diversity and promoting equal use of all languages. Indigenous Australian languages, endangered and diminishing are a particular focus, given their significance to cultural identity, local history and indigenous peoples' connection to the land.

In Australia, events celebrating International Mother Language Day vary across different communities, schools and organisation with cultural festivals, language learning workshops, academic conferences, art exhibitions and music performances. Encouraging individuals to maintain their mother language despite English being the dominant language, these activities create recognition for Australia’s linguistic diversity and promote social cohesion. This observance, consistent with its global timing, takes place annually on 21st February.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Mother Language Day in Australia

• The 2026 global theme for the observance is Youth voices on multilingual education, which highlights the pivotal role of young people in revitalising and defending linguistic diversity through digital content and technology.
• This year marks the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the event, commemorating over 25 years of global efforts since the first official celebration was held in 2000 following a proposal by Bangladesh.
• In the Australian context, the Fourth National Indigenous Languages Survey remains a critical focus as it closes for community responses on 28 February 2026, aiming to measure the strength and vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently implemented an updated Australian Standard Classification of Languages which introduced 45 new standalone Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages to more accurately represent the nation's linguistic landscape.
• The 2026 Parrtjima – A Festival in Light in Alice Springs has announced its central theme as Language, using large-scale light installations and soundscapes to honour the complex knowledge systems embedded in 250 distinct Indigenous languages.
• Applications for the 2026–27 Indigenous Languages and Arts open competitive grant round are scheduled to open on 2 February 2026, providing significant funding for community-led projects that conserve and celebrate First Nations cultures.
• The 2026 observance also spotlights the Ninganah No More program, a state-led initiative in New South Wales that begins its new funding cycle this year to increase the presence of Aboriginal languages in early childhood education services.
• Recent creative milestones in language revitalisation include the Noongar-language opera Wundig Wer Wilura and the Wadawurrung-language children’s opera Parrwang Lifts the Sky, which serve as prominent examples of using the performing arts to keep sleeping languages alive for the next generation.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Mother Language Day

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Gather with friends and family to assess your local education system. Does it provide adequate language instruction and second language instruction? Second language acquisition has been linked with critical thinking, creativity and flexibility of the mind.
• Generate awareness for International Mother Language Day by using the hashtags #InternationalMotherTongueDay, #IMLD, #motherlanguage or a hashtag followed by the language of your post (#english, #bengali, #xhosa).
• Language Festivals: Many places in Australia organize language festivals with storytelling, poetry, music, and food from different cultures.
• Multicultural Storytelling: Public libraries or community centers often arrange storytelling events where stories are told in various native languages. Parents are encouraged to bring along their children for an enriching and multicultural experience.