International Mother Language Day on February 21 celebrates the preservation of native and mother languages across all cultures, as recognized by UNESCO in 1999. In the United States, the day takes on added significance given the country’s linguistic diversity and ongoing attacks on Spanish. Former President Donald Trump’s anti-bilingualism rhetoric has faced pushback from activists like Carlos Eduardo Espina, who highlight the beauty of multilingualism in the country.
Despite English being the predominant language, the U.S. has no official language at the federal level, with nearly 68 million people speaking a language other than English at home, notably Spanish. This reflects the growth and contribution of the Hispanic community to American culture and society. Attacks on Spanish, such as the removal of the Spanish-language White House website during Trump’s presidency, underscore the importance of preserving mother languages.
Social media influencers like Espina, Jazlyn Guerra, Jorge Ramos, and Bad Bunny have used their platforms to promote bilingualism and Hispanic culture, showcasing the pride in speaking Spanish. They emphasize that language is not just a means of communication but an integral part of cultural identity and diversity. Other Latinos, including actors Cristo Fernández, Danny Ramírez, Tomás Mier, and Wilmer Valderrama, also see bilingualism as a superpower and privilege.
International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder that Spanish and other languages contribute to the richness of linguistic diversity in the nation, emphasizing the importance of preserving and celebrating mother languages for cultural unity and understanding.
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