119-hres149

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 149 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

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119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 149

Supporting the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day in 
 bringing attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and 
 cultural heritage through education.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 February 21, 2025

 Ms. Meng (for herself, Mr. Vargas, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Norton, and Ms. 
 Titus) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

Supporting the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day in 
 bringing attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and 
 cultural heritage through education.

Whereas the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

    (UNESCO) established International Mother Language Day on November 17, 
 1999, to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism;
Whereas the annual International Mother Language Day celebration date, February 
 21, was chosen to commemorate the day in 1952 in Bangladesh when 
 students died demonstrating for recognition of Bengali as a national 
 language of Pakistan;
Whereas UNESCO establishes a different theme for the annual celebration of 
 International Mother Language Day each year, promoting various aspects 
 of linguistic education;
Whereas 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, 
 reaffirming the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism 
 in fostering dignity, peace, and understanding;
Whereas, according to the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger, of 
 the over 8,000 existing languages in the world, approximately 1,181 
 languages are not in use, and approximately 6,000 languages are 
 classified as ``endangered'' with the potential to disappear within a 
 few generations;
Whereas the United States Census Bureau has identified over 350 languages spoken 
 in the United States, at least 160 of which are distinct Native North 
 American languages;
Whereas according to the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger, 280 
 Native North American languages were spoken in the continental United 
 States when the Europeans arrived and more than 115 are already extinct, 
 with many more critically endangered; and
Whereas the United States enjoys a rich and diverse cultural heritage and 
 preserving existing languages is an essential piece to preserving this 
 heritage: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) supports the goals and ideals of International Mother 
 Language Day; and

    (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
 International Mother Language Day with appropriate ceremonies, 
 programs, and activities.
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