DHAKA: Tibor Navracsics, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport on Thursday praised the International Mother Language Day expressing his support to the day.

The European Commissioner sent a message to the foreign minister in this regard on Thursday.

The message said, “I support International Mother Language Day and fully endorse its objectives. I know how meaningful this Day is for your country and for the defence of the cause of languages, of any language.”

He also said: “Linguistic diversity is a source of benefit and richness for the world,” adding that that is why the EU has “24 official languages and some 60 regional or minority languages”.

Tibor Navracsics further said, “Each of these languages is part of our heritage and to neglect a language can only be harmful as we run the risk of losing a part of our heritage and identity.”

He also said: “A culture of multilingualism promotes openness, dialogue and mutual respect. These are crucial values, for Europe and for an increasingly globalised world. As recent events have shown, we have to protect these values now as much as ever.”

“We need to understand and accept our differences – a process that starts with the acceptance and appreciation of different languages, as they are the most direct expression of people’s identities,” he added.

“To celebrate International Mother Language Day is to celebrate these values,” he added.

BDST: 2020 HRS, FEB 19, 2015