英语课程计划-International Mother Language Day（在线收听）

International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is observed every year by member states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It started in 1999 with the purpose of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It also aims at protecting the hundreds of languages around the world that are in danger of dying out. The day has its origins in Bangladesh, who had celebrated its own language with its own Language Movement Day in 1952. Several Bangladeshi students were killed by police for campaigning for the Bangla language to be included as a main language in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Even though their protests were peaceful, the police opened fire.

UNESCO stated that "by deciding to celebrate mother tongues…member states wished to recall that languages are not only an essential part of humanity's cultural heritage, but the irreducible expression of human creativity and of its great diversity." IMLD celebrates the fact that 6,000 languages are spoken around the world today. Each year has had a special theme. In 2002, UNESCO promoted its ‘3,000 Languages in Danger’ campaign. In 2005, people commemorated Braille and sign languages. A UNESCO spokesperson said “Languages are the mirror of the souls of the societies in which they are born.” The former President of Iceland said languages were "humanity's most precious and fragile treasures."