Utah Valley University’s offices of Global Engagement and Languages and Cultures sponsored a vibrant, multicultural International Mother Language Day celebration on February 21. Students, faculty, staff, and community members shared songs and dances representing their diverse cultures worldwide. Scholars and community leaders shared speeches emphasizing the crucial role of language preservation in safeguarding culture and ancestral wisdom.

 International Mother Language Day, observed globally on February 21 each year, aims to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity while advocating for multilingualism.

 The event opened with remarks from Dr. Sayeed Sajal, assistant professor of computer science at UVU, who has organized the event for the past nine years. Sajal shared that the day held special significance for him, as International Mother Language Day originated from his homeland of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan.

 In 1948, Pakistan's government declared Urdu the national language despite Bangla being the predominant language in East and West Pakistan. Through protests, Bengali speakers demanded the inclusion of Bangla as an additional national language. “People sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue. . .to preserve our language,” Sajal explained. Their sacrifice is commemorated on International Mother Language Day. 

 Performances on the Ragan Theater stage presented a colorful and varied tapestry of cultures and languages from across the world. There were performances representing Native Americans, Bengalis, Mexicans, Latinos, Pacific Islanders, Indians, Asians, the Irish, the African Diaspora, and the Deaf Community.

 "I see International Mother Language Day as one of the most inclusive occasions globally,” said Sajal. “Given that everyone possesses a mother and a mother tongue, this celebration encompasses people from all corners of the world."

 Sajal said over 300 individuals participated in UVU’s International Mother Language Day celebration this year. He intends to organize the event again next year and hopes to attract even more attention and participation.