Celebrating Diversity: International Mother Language Day

Every February 21st, the world celebrates International Mother Language Day, a special day dedicated to honoring the beauty of different languages and encouraging everyone to speak and preserve their native tongue. Languages aren’t just tools for communication; they’re part of who we are, reflecting our unique cultures and histories. International Mother Language Day reminds us to respect and appreciate every language, whether it’s spoken by many people or just a few.

In 1952, brave students protested against the government’s decision to only use Urdu as the official language in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This event, although tragic, led to the recognition of Bangla as an official language in 1956. UNESCO later established International Mother Language Day in 1999 to honor this struggle.

For this day, we’re sharing stories about few languages, written by: Harish Kattari, Cinthia Winarski, Subham Mishra, and Pradeep Thangavel.

Telugu: International Mother Language Day-Telugu, like other Dravidian languages, is believed to have evolved from Proto-Dravidian, the hypothetical ancestor of all Dravidian languages. Proto-Dravidian likely originated in the region of the Indus Valley Civilization and spread across the Indian subcontinent over thousands of years. The early stages of Telugu were influenced by Prakrit, a group of ancient Indo-Aryan languages spoken in India, as well as Sanskrit, the classical language of ancient India. This influence is evident in Telugu vocabulary, phonology, and grammar.

Telugu boasts a rich literary tradition that dates back to ancient times. The earliest known Telugu literary works include inscriptions found in the Amaravathi and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh, which date back to the 6th century BCE. Over the centuries, Telugu literature flourished under the patronage of various dynasties and rulers, contributing to the language’s development and prestige.

Telugu continues to evolve and adapt to changing linguistic and cultural contexts. It is one of the official languages of the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and is spoken by millions of people worldwide. Telugu literature, cinema, media, and education contribute to the language’s vitality and relevance in contemporary society.Overall, the Telugu language has a rich and diverse history, shaped by centuries of cultural interactions, literary achievements, and social developments. Its resilience and adaptability have allowed it to thrive as one of India’s major languages, representing the linguistic and cultural heritage of Telugu-speaking communities.

Brazilian Portuguese: The Brazilian Portuguese language is special for its cultural richness and linguistic diversity. Originating from European Portuguese, it has been influenced by a variety of languages and cultures, such as African, Indigenous, and even Tupi-Guarani languages. This fusion resulted in a unique language, full of idiomatic expressions, slang, and popular sayings that reflect the vibrant and diverse soul of the Brazilian people. Thus, Brazilian Portuguese not only communicates information but also carries with it a cultural and emotional weight that makes it unique and special. It is a living language, full of expressions and nuances that reflect the rich diversity of Brazil and its people.

Two of the lots of Brazilian saying:

“Quem não tem cão, caça com gato.”

Translation: “He who doesn’t have a dog, hunts with a cat.”

Meaning: Making the most of what you have, being resourceful.

“Em terra de cego, quem tem olho é rei.”

Translation: “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”

Meaning: Even a small advantage can be significant in the right circumstances.

Bengali: Bengali, also known as Bangla, is a special language full of history and culture. Spoken by over 215 million people worldwide, it holds the distinction of being the seventh most spoken language globally. It is the official language of Bangladesh and several Indian states, and it even holds the status of official language in Sierra Leone. Bangla has embraced influences from various languages like Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, and English. This mix gives it a vocabulary of over 100,000 words. Bangla boasts a rich literary heritage, with renowned figures like Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel laureate in literature, leaving an indelible mark. This literary tradition continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. According to a UNESCO survey, Bengali has been classified as the sweetest language in the world.

Tamil: The Tamil language holds significant cultural, historical, and linguistic importance for several reasons:

• Rich Literary Tradition: Tamil is one of the oldest classical languages in the world with a vast and rich literary tradition that spans over two thousand years. It has produced a wealth of poetry, literature, and philosophical works that have influenced not only Tamil Nadu but also the entire Indian subcontinent.
• Cultural Identity: Tamil language and culture are deeply intertwined. The language serves as a cornerstone of Tamil identity, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among Tamil-speaking people worldwide.
• Contributions to Literature and Knowledge: Tamil literature encompasses a wide range of genres including poetry, epics, novels, and essays. Works such as the ancient Sangam literature, Thirukkural, and the devotional poems of the Alvars and Nayanars have made significant contributions to world literature and philosophy.
• Regional and International Influence: Tamil Nadu, the Indian state where Tamil is predominantly spoken, has a rich cultural heritage and a thriving film industry (Kollywood). Tamil literature, music, dance, and cinema have gained recognition not only within India but also internationally.
• Linguistic Diversity and Resilience: Tamil has a unique grammatical structure and a rich vocabulary. It has absorbed words and influences from various languages over centuries, showcasing its adaptability and resilience.
• Identity and Political Movements: Tamil language has been a focal point in various political movements in Tamil Nadu, particularly with regards to language rights and autonomy. The Dravidian movement, for instance, played a crucial role in promoting the Tamil language and culture.
• Global Tamil Diaspora: Tamil-speaking communities exist worldwide, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and various Western nations. The language serves as a means of preserving cultural heritage and connecting diaspora communities with their roots.
• UNESCO Recognition: In recognition of its antiquity, richness, and cultural significance, Tamil was declared a classical language by the Government of India in 2004. UNESCO has also recognized Tamil as one of the world’s classical languages.

Overall, the Tamil language holds immense significance not only for its speakers but also for humanity as a whole, contributing to the richness and diversity of global culture and knowledge.