Celebrate mother's language day

What day is today? 

As we celebrate International Mother Language Day, it's important to reflect on the significance of language in shaping our cultural identity and fostering a sense of community. In Indonesia, the mother language of the majority of its people is Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of the country.

Indonesia is a country that is rich in linguistic diversity, with over 700 different languages spoken throughout its archipelago. However, due to the influence of colonization, Bahasa Indonesia became the language of unification and communication, which has helped to strengthen the country's cultural identity.

The history

The history behind International Mother Language Day dates back to 1952 when students in Bangladesh protested for the recognition of their mother tongue, Bangla, which was being suppressed by the ruling government. This led to a violent crackdown by the police, which resulted in the death of many protesters. In response, the United Nations designated February 21st as International Mother Language Day to honor the memory of those who lost their lives and to celebrate linguistic diversity worldwide.

How can we celebrate International Mother Language Day?

So, how can we celebrate International Mother Language Day? One way is by learning and using a few words or phrases in a different language. This can be an excellent opportunity to connect with someone from a different culture and understand their perspective. Another way to celebrate is by reading literature written in different languages. This can broaden our knowledge and understanding of other cultures and their unique experiences.

For instance, let's take a look at one example of a mother language spoken in Indonesia, the Balinese language. Balinese is a language spoken by the Balinese people, who reside primarily on the island of Bali. The language has its own unique script, known as Aksara Bali, and is used in traditional ceremonies, music, and dance.

To celebrate International Mother Language Day, you could learn a few phrases in Balinese, such as "Om Swastiastu," which means "May peace be with you." You could also read some Balinese literature, such as the epic poem, the Ramayana, which has been retold in Balinese for generations.

conclusion

In conclusion, International Mother Language Day is an important occasion to celebrate and recognize the significance of language in shaping our cultural identity. By learning and appreciating the diversity of languages spoken in our world, we can foster a sense of community and understanding. Let us honor the memory of those who have fought for their mother languages and celebrate linguistic diversity together.