The International Mother Language Day will be observed worldwide on February 21 (today), as proclaimed by the General Conference of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in November 1999. It has been observed yearly since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Since 1950 at least 240 languages have died, according to the UNESCO. That’s a cultural extinction rate of one language every three months over the last 60 years.

Worse news is that the language mortality rate may be accelerating dramatically. “Half of the 6,700 languages spoken today are in danger of disappearing before the century ends, a process that can be slowed only if urgent action is taken by governments and speaker communities,” UNESCO says.

UNESCO Interactive Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger shows 519 languages that have no more than 100 speakers.

“The mother language, in which the first words are uttered and individual thought expressed, is the foundation for the history and culture of each individual. Moreover, it has been proven that children learn best when they are instructed in their mother language during their first years at school,” UNESCO says.

The concept of mother language complements that of multilingualism, which UNESCO strives to promote, by encouraging the acquisition of at least three levels of language proficiency: a mother language, a national language and a language of communication.

UNESCO stresses that Languages are the best vehicles of mutual understanding and tolerance. “Respect for all languages is a key factor for ensuring peaceful coexistence, without exclusion, of societies and all of their members.