Why is February 21 an important day?

          Language is a complex system of codes used for communication between human beings. How many languages do you know? There are persons who can handle many languages with ease. However, for all of them, their favourite language must be their mother tongue! On February 21, we celebrate the International Mother Language Day.

          Language is not merely a set of codes for communication. Every language carries a baggage of complex implications of culture, identity, education and development. They have the ability to preserve and develop our culture and heritage. Due to various political circumstances, certain languages assume more importance than others. For example, the English language is studied around the world because of British colonialism. However, there are innumerable languages in the world that need protection. Studies say that at least 43 per cent of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered and are on the brink of extinction.

          All efforts to preserve mother tongues will result in awareness of and respect for diverse traditions throughout the world and will promote solidarity.

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