WHY SHOULD YOU GO? | CELEBRATE LANGUAGES
Celebrate Languages
Spoken less about but used in order to speak! Language is essential, especially to represent the culture of a particular social group. To interact with a language means to do so with the culture which is its reference point. This year, Bangladesh High Commission commemorates International Mother Language Day (IMLD) in Colombo. Let's have a look at how this event brings innovative programmes to reflect on language and its role in cultural diversity and enrichment of society.
1. LANGUAGE: AN EXPRESSION OF ART
The Bangladesh High Commision to Sri Lanka, organizes 'Celebrate Languages' for International Mother Language Day in an attempt to keep alive and spread awareness of mother languages around the world. Expressing and influencing this connection through a rendition of instrumental songs on stage, and painting "my words in my mother tongue on canvas", the event commemorates the spirit of pluralism, inclusion and multi-culturalism wholly and artistically. The Bangladesh High Commission, strives to provide a platform where writers and artists can employ different languages as a resource in a number of creative ways in their work. Artists can represent multilingualism and reflect in the evolving social linguistic situation such as the gradual disappearance of fluency in a minority language. Imagine a writer pouring out his heart unto a paper, words becomes a phenomenal mechanism in expressing thoughts and emotions. Becoming multilingual may add a new and alternate dimension to an artist’s identity and to their works.
2. INTERMINGLING OF DIVERSE CULTURES
"Let our languages bind us further and deeper.
Let our languages respect others around and beyond.
Let our languages unlock our infinite imaginative.
Let me respect and value my mother tounge like I do my mother."
The Bangladesh High Commission of Colombo, Sri Lanka is a remarkable establishment that covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries. Bangladesh played a significant role in the domain of language, accessibilty and freedom of speech. In 1999, at the initiative of Bangladesh, the UNESCO General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution deeming this day as International Mother Language Day.
4. INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
Languages, with their complex entanglement with identity, communication, social unification, education and development, are of prominent importance for people and the planet. Yet, they are increasingly under threat, or disappearing altogether. When languages fade, so does the world's rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developng our heritage. 'Celebrate Languages' aims to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism. All prompts to promote the the distribution of mother tongues will serve to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding.
4. WHAT ABOUT THE SPACE?
This profound event will take place at Vihara Mahadevi Park, just opposite the renowned Nelum Pokuna theatre. The park is an open, recreational space that invites locals to soak in the green which makes it the ideal place to host this exceptional notion. Vihara Mahadevi Park succeeds in existing as an area that provides the concept that the event, at such a space paves way for liberation of being able to weave with society, to accept and be accepted regardless of nationality, birthplace or culture.
5. LANGUAGE CONNECTS!
Language is a mode of communication, originated from the Latin translation, 'lingua' meaning 'tongue'. But one does not only communicate through language. It becomes a means of connection, interweaving lone beings of society, an amalgamation of cultures intermingling to widen intellectual horizons. 'Celebrate Language' creates the idea of language existing as an art form, a fundamental fragment in a bigger picture, allowing human beings, despite cultural diversity to build a bond, an interconnection of ideas being expanded, notions exchanged, all in the sole purpose of bringing peace. For all to exist as one, we must connect.
Join Celebrating Languages organized by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Colombo on 21 February 2019 from 08.30AM – 11.00AM at Vihara Mahadevi Park, Colombo