Skip to Content

Celebrating International Mother Language Day

Feb 21, 2025

Language is at the core of identity, culture, and heritage. On International Mother Language Day, we take a moment to recognise the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to preserve and promote languages, particularly those at risk of disappearing.

Australia is one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world, shaped by waves of migration and its rich Indigenous heritage. According to the 2021 Census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), over 300 languages are spoken in Australian homes, reflecting the country’s multicultural identity.

While English is the most commonly spoken language (72% exclusively at home), a significant proportion of Australians use other languages in their daily lives. The top five languages spoken at home (other than English) are:

  • Mandarin (2.7%)
  • Arabic (1.4%)
  • Vietnamese (1.3%)
  • Cantonese (1.2%)
  • Punjabi (0.9%)

Australia is also home to more than 150 Indigenous languages, with 9.5% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people speaking an Indigenous language at home. However, many of these languages are at risk of disappearing, making efforts in preservation and revitalisation more crucial than ever.

UNESCO and the Importance of Multilingualism

The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.

UNESCO estimates that there are 8,324 languages, spoken or signed. Out of these, around 7,000 languages are still in use today. However, linguistic diversity is under threat, with many languages disappearing at an accelerated pace in our rapidly changing world.

Learning in one’s mother tongue enhances comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking, yet 40% of learners lack access to education in a language they speak or understand. Multilingual education addresses these gaps, boosting participation, retention, and socio-emotional development while also supporting global goals such as gender equality, climate action, and sustainable communities. UNESCO champions multilingualism as a powerful tool for inclusive education and meaningful global engagement.

This February, UNESCO will celebrate the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, reaffirming the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism in fostering dignity, peace, and understanding. This milestone highlights decades of efforts to preserve mother tongues, safeguard cultural heritage, and improve education.

The event "Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day" will underscore the urgency of accelerating progress on linguistic diversity to build a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2030. It also supports the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, emphasising the role of languages in achieving global development goals. The event will review progress, showcase successful multilingual education practices, and advocate for inclusive language policies that respect all communities.

Archive

2025

2024

2023

2022

2020