International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on February 21 to raise awareness of the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The day has been observed throughout the world since 2000 as an initiative by Bangladesh. The idea was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference as part of efforts to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others.
UNESCO warns that linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more languages disappear.
Globally, 40 percent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand, according to UNESCO.
The organization says multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.
Polish projects for International Mother Language Day have included efforts to promote the correct usage of the Polish language, news outlets reported.
The Polish Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet on Tuesday that "Poles are proud of their language" as they celebrate International Mother Language Day.
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Source: IAR, PAP, unesco.org
Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland’s Ada Janiszewska.
