It might be one of the most important days on the calendar in Bangladesh, but as the name suggests, International Mother Language Day is one that resonates right around the world, including in Wyndham.
On Saturday February 24, members of Wyndham’s Bangladeshi diaspora along with those from numerous other countries will gather at Julia Gillard Library in Tarneit to celebrate Indigenous languages and cultures from around the world.
Tarneit’s Mamun Badruddoza is a member of the organising committee for International Mother Language Day. He explained the day’s origins in Bangladesh and how it spread across the globe.
“It started in Bangladesh when it was part of Pakistan as East Pakistan in 1952. It started as a movement to establish Bangla as Pakistan’s official language.” Mr Badruddoza said.
“On May 16 2007 the UN passed a resolution to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by the peoples of the world and after that it was declared International Mother Language Day. It became a global day.”
India, Nepal and China are among the migrant communities that will strongly be represented on the day, but Mr Badruddoza said Indigenous Australians and their culture would also feature.
“Aboriginal people are also coming. Indigenous Australian languages (will be celebrated)” he said.
An Aboriginal smoking ceremony will be held, while flowers will be laid beneath an International Mother Language Day monument.
Music and dance performances will entertain the crowd and food, clothing and books will be on sale.
The free event runs 11am to 4pm and all are welcome.
Cade Lucas.
