Utah Valley University (UVU) continues to celebrate the power of language by hosting its annual International Mother Language Day event on February 19 from 12:30 to 3:00 pm in the Ragan Theater. Organized by UVU’s Department of Language & Culture and Intercultural Engagement, the event is free and open to the public.
UVU celebrates the holiday to properly recognize the different backgrounds of the university’s student body and each student’s mother language. The event will feature cultural performances, music, dance, and keynote addresses to highlight each language and its role in shaping the Utah community.
According to a 2022 report from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Health Equity, more than 15% of Utahns are bilingual. In addition, UVU’s word wall, where students write their native language on a poster, showcased over 50 languages spoken in the UVU campus community.
Siade Solomona, the event coordinator, emphasized the significance of language in building connections on campus by stating, “Utah has a large population of second-language speakers. This event is about recognizing the role of language in our identities and how it brings people together.”
International Mother Language Day has celebrated international language and culture since its announcement from UNESCO in 1999. The holiday originated in Bangladesh, where individuals sacrificed their lives in 1952 while advocating for their native language, Bengali. The event is a global recognition to celebrate and preserve mother tongues since language builds individuals, cultures, and societies.
UVU has celebrated International Mother Language Day since 2021, using it as an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage second-language learning, and strengthen connections between all cultures.
Last year, a performance of “Let it Go” sung in over 30 different languages by students and Utah community members brought a sense of connection for both the audience and performers.
This year’s celebration will feature a variety of cultural performances and activities, including:
- Keynote Speaker Akwasi Frimpong, an Olympic-level athlete and Ghana native
- Musical performances in various languages
- Traditional dances from various cultures, including Pacific Islander and East Asian performances
- An ASL performance highlighting the importance of sign language inclusion
- A poster competition and interactive exhibits
The event continues to grow each year, with increasing attendance and an expanding lineup of speakers and performers.
“This event creates a joyful appreciation for the languages and cultures we have in Utah,” said Julia Escobar, an admin in the UVU Office of Inclusion and Diversity.
“Seeing students, faculty, and community members together in one space is both beautiful and eye-opening.”
Whether you speak one language or many, this event is a chance to experience cultural expression, meet people from different backgrounds, and be part of a movement that values every voice. Join UVU on February 19 to celebrate the community’s mother languages.
For more information, contact UVU’s Department of Language & Culture or visit the event page on UVU’s website.
