International Mother Language Day is celebrated annually on February 21, according to the decision of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

This day was established to promote linguistic, cultural diversity and multilingualism, to support language as a sign of cultural affiliation. There is a need in the world to protect cultural diversity and maintain respect for language as an indicator of culture.

Native language is an important element of cultural and national consciousness. It is not just a means of communication, but a reflection of the history of the people, their worldview.

The Ukrainian language is the language of our freedom and statehood, great culture and history. It is one of the richest and most melodic languages in the world. Despite various historical circumstances, it has always existed and been transmitted in songs and thoughts, fairy tales and legends, proverbs and sayings.

The immortal works by Taras Shevchenko and Ivan Kotliarevskyi, Lesia Ukrainka and Ivan Franko, Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi and Ivan Nechui-Levytskyi were written in Ukrainian.

Respect and cherish the native language, enrich it today and preserve it for future generations!