UNAIR NEWS – UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Tongue Day. This day is closely related to the international recognition of the Language Movement Day in Bangladesh.
Prof. Dr. Dra. Ni Wayan Sartini M.Hum, Professor of Ethnolinguistics at the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Airlangga, stated in an exclusive interview with UNAIR NEWS on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, that the idea for International Mother Tongue Day originated in Bangladesh as a result of issues between West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
“In 1948, the Pakistani government declared Urdu as the sole national language of Pakistan. This decision sparked protests from the residents of East Pakistan,” she said.
It led to bloodshed between East and West Pakistan. Eventually, UNESCO marked February 21 as International Mother Tongue Day to commemorate that event.
Mother tongue
A person’s mother tongue shapes the foundation of their understanding, basic concepts, and cultural emotions.
“Mother tongue strengthens the connection between individuals and their families and communities,” explained Prof. Wayan.
The mother tongue is the primary tool for communication, sharing stories, and building emotional bonds with family and peers. This language is a part of their identity intricately linked to their culture.
Urgency of language preservation
One of the primary functions during the commemoration of International Mother Tongue Day is to remind us of the importance of preserving our mother tongue. Mother tongues often face existential challenges in a globally connected environment through globalization.
“Globalization, modernization, and the dominance of national languages are among the concerns that must be addressed. Despite several challenges, awareness of the necessity of preserving the mother tongue in Indonesia is also increasing,” stated Prof. Wayan.
In the end, she emphasized that preserving the mother tongue means maintaining a connection with the ancestors. Additionally, the mother tongue serves as the last gateway to the cultural heritage and local wisdom.
Author: Muhammad Rizal Abdul Aziz
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
