Feb 20, 2012

Mother Language Day


21st February is International Mother Language Day. Quoting from wikipedia,

International Mother Language Day is an observance held annually on 21 February worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

About half a century ago, my people stood up against cultural oppression and made sacrifices to protect the right to speak their language. Through a bloody revolution, the right to speak a language was protected. In effect, it also protected the right to practice their culture. The sense of identity and unity later inspired the independence movement of the country. Bangalis are not the only group to sacrifice for their language and culture in recent recorded history. I know that similar incidents took place in Assam(India), would not be surprised to know of more incidents like that. But Bangalis are probably the only group to work their way from cultural freedom to independence of their country. I consider that a good example. And proud of that.

As of now, let us all be proud of our languages. Speak your language, teach it to others. Learn theirs too. Discover how close we are, people of the world.