International Mother Language Day 2013

"One should respect his motherland, his culture and his mother tongue because they are givers of happiness."
Rig Veda

February 21st is International Mother Language Day - a special day recognized by the UN and UNESCO to promote cultural diversity and multilingualism. They also encourage people to maintain their knowledge of their mother language while learning and using more than one language.

Language plays a vital role in relation to identity, communication, social integration, education and development. It is estimated that, without measures to protect and promote minority and endangered languages, half of the 6000 plus languages spoken today will disappear by the end of this century, with 96 percent of these languages spoken by a mere 4 percent of the world’s population.

The theme of the International Mother Language day 2013 is "Mother tongue instruction and inclusive education". This year’s theme refers to the importance of language in accessing quality education and encourages UNESCO member states to promote instruction and education in the mother tongue.

ALL FOR KIDS exists to provide English speaking families with products that encourage learning and inspire creativity while having fun. To celebrate this day they have a special offer IF you order before midnight tomorrow (February 22nd): you'll get 13% off everything (it's 2013, after all) - and if you order 13 items or more, All for kids will even ship for free! Check out their site and don't miss the Bargain Basement section: All for Kids.

Should you have five minutes to spare, find out why language matters: