Assembly Resolution No. 959
BY: M. of A. McMahon
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 21, 2026, as Mother Language Day in the
State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, International Mother Language Day is an observance held
annually on February 21st worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic
and cultural diversity and multilingualism; and
WHEREAS, The date represents the day in 1952, when students from
different institutions such as Dhaka University, Jagannath University
and Dhaka Medical College demonstrating for recognition of their
language, Bangla, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital
of present-day Bangladesh; and
WHEREAS, First announced on November 17, 1999, by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),
International Mother Language Day is based on the premise that
linguistic and cultural diversity represent universal values that
strengthen the union and cohesion of societies; it has been observed
every year since its inaugural celebration in February of 2000; and
WHEREAS, UNESCO sets the theme for each International Mother
Language Day, and holds related events at its headquarters in Paris on
or around February 21 each year; and
WHEREAS, Presented annually on International Mother Language Day,
the Linguapax Prize recognizes and awards outstanding contributions in
the preservation of linguistic diversity, revitalization and
reactivation of linguistic communities, and the promotion of
multilingualism; and
WHEREAS, On May 16, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly in its
resolution, called upon Member States to promote the preservation and
protection of all languages used by people of the world; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, by the same resolution, the General Assembly
proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, to promote unity
in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism
and multiculturalism; and
WHEREAS, Linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and
more languages disappear; globally, 40 percent of the population does
not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand;
and
WHEREAS, At least 43 percent of the estimated 6,000 languages spoken
in the world are endangered; only a few hundred languages have genuinely
been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less
than a hundred are used in the digital world; and
WHEREAS, Nevertheless, progress is being made in mother tongue-based
multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance,
particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development
in public life; and
WHEREAS, Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving
and developing our tangible and intangible heritage; all moves to
promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to a
encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education, but also to
develop fuller awareness of linguistic cultural traditions throughout
the world to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and
dialogue; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 21, 2026, as
Mother Language Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of International Mother Language Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.
