Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day is observed globally every year on February 21.
Language is more than just words—it connects us to our culture, history, and identity. Some believe that the language we speak shapes how we perceive the world, influencing our thoughts and perspectives. The idea for this day originated in Bangladesh, where people fought to have Bengali recognized as an official language.
The Threat to Languages
Languages around the world are disappearing at an alarming rate. In India, many languages are at risk of extinction. Some, like Koro (spoken in Arunachal Pradesh) and Great Andamanese (spoken in the Andaman Islands), have only a few speakers left.
India’s Rich Linguistic Heritage
India has a rich linguistic history, with several ancient languages that have survived for thousands of years. Among them, Tamil, Hindi, and Sanskrit hold special significance due to their deep historical roots and cultural impact. Tamil is one of the world's oldest living languages, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India. It is part of the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family, sharing roots with Sanskrit, Persian, and even many European languages like English and Spanish.
The Role of Sanskrit in Indian Culture
Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages of India. The most archaic form of Sanskrit is Vedic Sanskrit, found in the Rigveda, dating back over 3,500 years. Other significant Sanskrit texts are the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred text of the Hindu religion and is considered one of the most important spiritual classics in Sanskrit. Classical Sanskrit was refined by scholars like Panini, who systematized its grammar, and Kalidasa, regarded as India's greatest Sanskrit dramatist and poet. Apart from Sanskrit, other historical languages of India include Prakrit (Prakrit languages were spoken in the Indian subcontinent from around the 5th century BCE to the 12th century CE) and Pali. The use of Pali as a literary language in mainland India declined around the 14th century CE.
The Importance of Preserving Languages
As Nelson Mandela once said, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." This statement highlights the emotional and cultural significance of language. International Mother Language Day reminds us that every language is valuable and must be protected for future generations.
Through education, documentation, and digital preservation, we can ensure that linguistic diversity continues to thrive, enriching our world and connecting us to our heritage.