February 21 – International Mother Language Day
February 20, 2019
Dear compatriots, dear friends!
February 21 is the Day of Mother Language all over the world. The international holiday was established by the organization of UNESCO to protect linguistic and cultural diversity. According to scientists, today there are more than 7 thousand languages on the globe. There is no doubt that among them there are languages that have more than billions of representatives, and those that are spoken by about a dozen representatives. Today, many of us know at least 2-3 languages. Each language has its own characteristics, knowledge of languages broadens the mind and helps to better understand the culture of different nations. However, the native language is one. And our native language is Tatar. Therefore, each representative should respect his language. Tatars have such a thing as the discovery of the language – “tel acylu”, that is, the language in which the child will communicate, laid already at birth. Let our children first speak in the Tatar language. The protection, preservation and development of the native language, its transfer to new generations as a spiritual heritage are the historical right and duty of each of us.
Dear friends! I cordially congratulate you on International Mother Language Day! As the Tatar proverb says: “A people who keep their language will always be honored.” Let each of us contribute to the development and preservation of the native language, which is one of the factors behind the emergence and existence of our people.
Respectfully,
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan,
Chairman of the National Council
World Congress of Tatars
V.G. Shaikhraziyev
