Every year on 21^st February, people around the world commemorate International Mother Language Day, which aims to encourage linguistic and cultural diversity. This day recognizes the role that mother languages play in protecting cultural heritage, encouraging inclusivity, and fostering intercommunal understanding.

International Mother Language Day serves as a beacon, directing us to celebrate the unique tapestry of voices that characterize humanity in a world where languages whisper tales of history, dance to the beat of tradition, singing melodies of identity. As we set off on our adventure of life, we are enthralled by the melodic richness of linguistic variety and pulled into a story in which every word is a brushstroke that paints the vivid picture of culture.

Every language has the core of its people’s history and ideals, from the age-old chants of tribal tribes to the contemporary dialects of metropolitan districts.

If we explore the fascinating folktales and legends that have been retained in each dialect, it will provide us insights into both the modern society and past civilizations. The richness of linguistic heritage is endless and enticing, whether it is coming from the written epics engraved into manuscripts or oral traditions passed down through the decades.

However, multilingualism may promote inclusivity, dismantle obstacles, and create connections between various cultural contexts. Speaking various languages fluently opens avenues to greater understanding and cooperation in an increasingly globalized world where links cut across borders and cultures. The cognitive advantages of knowing various languages lies in improved problem-solving abilities and increased cultural awareness. According to research, one who is bilingual or multilingual may demonstrate higher levels of creativity, adaptability, and cognitive flexibility, which makes them vital members of our dynamic society.

As a language educator, I believe that the preservation of linguistic history depends on programs centred on documentation, teaching, and revitalization, as hundreds of languages are in danger of being extinct. It’s through cutting-edge language revitalization programs that we can enable communities to celebrate and recover their cultural heritage. A resurgence of cultural pride and resilience is being sparked by grassroots initiatives ranging from digital repositories recording oral histories to language immersion programs in schools.

We can bring back with us the sounds of many voices, each bearing witness to the beauty and tenacity of human expression, as we come to the end of our expedition into the core of linguistic diversity through accepting the rich tapestry of mother tongues is important containing the tales of our history, aspirations for the future and our goals for the present.

May our voices soar and cultures frolic on this International Mother Language Day and beyond. For in the symphony of tongues, we may find the brightest beam of our shared humanity. Dinabandhu Andrews Institute of Technology and Management takes this opportunity to celebrate the International Mother Language Day to walk towards the rekindling and reviving of the soul connection between the mind of one’s own and that of our mother tongue. Let us celebrate, protect, and treasure the diverse mosaic of cultures valuing our mother language ever after.

-Upama Ghosh

Assistant Professor, English

Dinabandhu Andrews Institute of Technology and Management