Utah Valley University’s (UVU) annual International Mother Language Day celebration will take place Wednesday, Feb. 21 in the Ragan Theater — Sorensen Student Center — from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. It will be hosted by the university’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Highlights of this year’s event include speeches, dances, songs, and demonstrations, all designed to showcase the beauty and significance of linguistic and cultural diversity. Attendees can expect an occasion that embraces the unique voices and traditions that enrich heritage. The UVU community, as well as the public, are invited to join this celebration of language and culture.
International Mother Language Day commemorates language diversity and the tragic events of February 21, 1952, when university students advocating for the recognition of Bengali as an official language were killed. UVU’s celebration aims to honor linguistic and cultural diversity while fostering inclusivity within the campus community. The event will feature multicultural performances, food, and activities to showcase the richness of languages and cultures represented at UVU.
“International Mother Language Day stands as a remarkable occasion worldwide, embracing every individual,” said Dr. Sayeed Sajal, UVU assistant professor of computer science. “Each of us carries not only a mother but also a mother tongue. This inclusivity binds us all together.”
In line with the significance of International Mother Language Day, UVU recognizes the importance of celebrating linguistic diversity. The event aims to promote cultural understanding, empower linguistic minorities, and encourage multilingualism among students, faculty, and staff.
For more information about UVU’s International Mother Language Day event, please visit https://www.uvu.edu/events/.
