119-HRES149

Resolution is currently in: House
Passed:

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 149

Supporting the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day in bringing attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage through education.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 21, 2025

Ms. Meng (for herself, Mr. Vargas, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Norton, and Ms. Titus) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Whereas the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999, to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism;

Whereas the annual International Mother Language Day celebration date, February 21, was chosen to commemorate the day in 1952 in Bangladesh when students died demonstrating for recognition of Bengali as a national language of Pakistan;

Whereas UNESCO establishes a different theme for the annual celebration of International Mother Language Day each year, promoting various aspects of linguistic education;

Whereas 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, reaffirming the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism in fostering dignity, peace, and understanding;

Whereas, according to the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger, of the over 8,000 existing languages in the world, approximately 1,181 languages are not in use, and approximately 6,000 languages are classified as "endangered" with the potential to disappear within a few generations;

Whereas the United States Census Bureau has identified over 350 languages spoken in the United States, at least 160 of which are distinct Native North American languages;

Whereas according to the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger, 280 Native North American languages were spoken in the continental United States when the Europeans arrived and more than 115 are already extinct, with many more critically endangered; and

Whereas the United States enjoys a rich and diverse cultural heritage and preserving existing languages is an essential piece to preserving this heritage: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—

(1) - supports the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day; and

(2) - encourages the people of the United States to observe International Mother Language Day with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.