Manchester presents diverse programme to mark UNESCO International Mother Language Day

As part of International Mother Language Day 2021, an event which celebrates the nearly 200 languages spoken in Manchester and the cultural diversity within the city, Creative Manchester is delighted to be coordinating a number of online events that will form part of this year’s programme.  

UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.  

It has been observed globally since 2000 and has important historical roots, as on 21 February, Bangladesh marks the anniversary of winning the hard-fought recognition for the Bangla language.  

2021 is the fourth year that Manchester has celebrated International Mother Language Day. The events taking place this year will be online, and will involve libraries, cultural venues, community groups, universities, schools, poets and writers, collaborating and presenting language-focused events.  

Creative Manchester has coordinated with colleagues from the Centre of New Writing, HCRI, and The University of Manchester Widening Participation and Schools teams to present a number of events, including:  

• 5.30pm, 19 February Macaronic Poetry Evening 

• 12.30pm, 19 February Mandarin Taster Session

• 7pm, 23 February Decolonising Mother Tongues  

• 2pm, 26 February “Manchester’s DNA” Poetry in Residence Workshop 

• 25 February “Manchester’s DNA” Launch Workshop with Manchester Schools 

You can see the full list of International Mother Language Day events here.