Australia’s linguistic diversity is one of the country’s defining features, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly has said, marking International Mother Language Day with a call to recognise and protect the languages spoken across the nation.
In a message to coincide with the day, Dr Aly said Australia is home to “many stories, journeys and languages” and urged communities to reflect on what language represents.
“On International Mother Language Day, we pause to reflect on what language means to us, and the stories it tells about us,” she said.
This year’s global theme, “Youth voices on multilingual education,” places young people at the centre of discussions about language learning and cultural continuity. Dr Aly said the theme “highlights the role young people play in shaping a future where every language is recognised and valued.”
“We know that when we invest in language education, we empower the next generation to carry their cultures forward with confidence and pride,” she said.
International Mother Language Day is observed each year on 21 February. It traces its origins to 1952, when student protesters in Dhaka were killed while advocating for the recognition of their mother language, Bangla. The day was later proclaimed by UNESCO to promote linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.
Dr Aly said the history behind the day serves as a reminder of the deeper meaning of language. “It’s a powerful reminder that language is not just communication and not to be taken for granted,” she said.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 400 languages are spoken in Australian homes, reflecting decades of migration and settlement. The country is also home to many First Nations languages, some of which are undergoing revival efforts after generations of disruption and loss.
“Language carries culture, history and identity. It connects generations and anchors communities,” Dr Aly said. “In Australia, we are privileged to share in extraordinary linguistic diversity, from the many First Nations languages of this land to the more than 400 languages spoken in homes and communities cross our country today.”
Government initiatives in recent years have included funding to support community language schools, preservation projects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, and programs aimed at improving access to translation and interpreting services.
Dr Aly said the observance is an opportunity to recognise how language shapes social cohesion. “Australia’s diversity, including our linguistic diversity, is one of our greatest strengths,” she said.
“On International Mother Language Day, we honour the languages that shape who we are. By protecting and celebrating them, we strengthen belonging, deepen mutual respect and build a more connected Australia for generations to come.”
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