International Mother Language Day: Diversity & Inclusion
Christine Haslett
Deputy Head of College
Head of Primary School
21st February marks International Mother Language Day. This day holds great importance as it promotes linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism.International Mother Language Day was established to honour the language movement in Bangladesh, where on February 21, 1952, four students made the ultimate sacrifice in their quest to have Bengali recognized as an official language. This day was officially recognised by the UNESCO General Conference in 1999.
At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, we celebrate the importance of promoting, preserving and celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity. We are proud of our international community, and understand that language is a fundamental part of identity. Our commitment to multilingual education aligns with the theme for International Mother Language Day 2024, which is ‘Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational understanding.’
We encourage our students to take pride in their mother languages and the appreciate the richness that comes with being multilingual, By doing so, we not only preserve our cultural heritage, but also contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected world.
As we commemorate International Mother Language Day, I invite you to engage in conversations with your children about the significance of their mother languages, and the importance of respecting and celebrating the language of others.
Thank you for your ongoing support in nurturing a culturally diverse and inclusive learning environment at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi.
