Supporting the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day in bringing attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage through education.
This is a non-binding House Resolution introduced in the 119th Congress by Representatives Meng (and colleagues) that expresses formal support for the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day and urges Americans to observe the day through appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities. It recounts UNESCO’s creation of International Mother Language Day (November 17, 1999) and the February 21 observance to honor the 1952 Bengali language movement in what is now Bangladesh. The resolution emphasizes the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage through education, notes global and U.S. language diversity and endangerment, and marks 2025 as the 25th anniversary of the observance. It is a symbolic statement intended to raise awareness and encourage action, but it does not authorize funding or create new programs.
Key Points
- 1Supports the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day and UNESCO’s role in promoting linguistic diversity and multilingualism.
- 2Highlights February 21 as the date observed to honor the Bengali language movement in 1952 and its significance in recognizing linguistic rights.
- 3Acknowledges that UNESCO assigns a different annual theme each year and notes that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Day.
- 4Cites data on language endangerment and diversity, including roughly 1,181 languages not in use, about 6,000 endangered languages, and over 350 languages spoken in the United States (with substantial Native North American language history and concerns about extinction).
- 5Encourages the observance of International Mother Language Day by the American people through ceremonies, programs, and activities; clarifies that this is a symbolic, non-binding expression of Congress.