Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network-221 International Mother Language Day featured in multiple activies

[Taiwan Immigrants’ Global News Network] The International Mother Language Day was established in 2000 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and it is celebrated on February 21 of every year. The objective is to raise awareness of the value of language preservation. It is the most instinctive instrument for speaking and thinking. The website for International Mother Language Day from the UN also describes events happening all across the world and advocates the value of preserving linguistic diversity.

Taiwan also amended the " Development of National Languages Act " to require national high schools to offer a native language (mother tongue) course as part of the 108-curriculum beginning in the 111–112 academic year. In addition, numerous organizations in Taiwan's counties and cities also host mother language promotion events in honor of International Mother Language Day.

Taipei City Government held the activity "Happy Learning Mother Tongue, Guessing Lantern Riddles Online".Photo provided by Department of Education, Taipei City Government

In response to World Mother Language Day to protect precious language assets, and also in conjunction with Lantern Festival Riddles, the Department of Education, Taipei City Government held the activity "Happy Learning Mother Tongue, Guessing Lantern Riddles Online" and encouraged students to learn and use Hokkien, Hakka, and indigenous languages , Vietnamese, Indonesian, Cambodian and Thai and other Taiwanese and Southeast Asian languages.

Taichung Public Library will hold the "2023 Diversified Reading Season--Reading with Five Senses. Better Life in Mother Tongue" activity from now until the end of March. Both adults and children can speak and read their mother tongue in reading books, visiting exhibitions, listening to lectures and DIY activities.

Taichung Public Library will hold the "2023 Diversified Reading Season--Reading with Five Senses. Better Life in Mother Tongue" activity from now until the end of March.Photo provided by Taichung Public Library

The National Taiwan Science Education Center launched a series of “Learning the Native Language through Science" activities. On February 11th and March 19th, the popular science knowledge explanation service was provided in Taiwanese, and through various guides, interactions, animations and educational activities, arouse scientific interest.

The Hualien branch of the National Education Radio will hold a "Mother Tongue Storytelling Contest" on February 25th. The themes are not limited. Participants can choose the theme of the story. A certificate and a NT$3,500 book voucher will be given for the winner.

Photo provided by 1095, Literature and History Studio

"1095, Literature and History Studio" (1095，文史工作室), which is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges in Southeast Asia, also held a theme event of mother tongue (我們與母語的距離) on Saturday, February 25th, inviting Thai second-generation immigrant (王秋雯), and Indonesian new immigrant cultural lecturer (陳妍蓁) shared with participants the resources of learning mother tongue.