Chris Hayes (Fowler, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Calwell for bringing to us this important motion that highlights the significance of multiculturalism and linguistic diversity in our society. As most in this place know, as the member for Fowler I have the privilege of representing one of the most multicultural electorates in the whole of Australia. Located in south-west Sydney, my electorate boasts migrants from every corner of the globe. I know that I have the opportunity and privilege to represent many different ethnic groups, but I am conscious of the fact that I am dealing with people of over 150 nationalities, who speak a language other than English at home. That is pretty significant in a modern society and is why I believe that International Mother Language Day is an important celebration. It is a day that allows us to recognise different languages and heritages that make up the face of modern Australia.

Celebrated on 21 February, International Mother Language Day was first formally recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in November 1999 as a day on which to encourage speakers of other languages to speak their mother tongue and be proud of it. The importance of preserving linguistic diversity was also recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, when it encouraged member states to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.

However, what people may not know is that behind this very culturally important day lies a very tragic event in Bangladesh. It was a day that actually gave rise to this celebration that we have today. It was about the struggles of the people of Bangladesh for cultural, linguistic and ethnic freedom. On 21 February 1952 a group of students in Bangladesh were shot and killed while demonstrating for their right to speak their mother tongue, Bangla. This language movement was the key inspiration for Bangladeshis to achieve their independence, which they did in 1971. It also became the very foundation for International Mother Language Day. Today, 21 February is not only observed as a public holiday in Bangladesh to commemorate the historic language movement; it is also recognised worldwide for its significance, as a day on which we celebrate culture and heritage.

I would like to thank the Bangladeshi Australian community who have been very much in the forefront in taking the initiative for the walk each year in Canberra which brings people together from all different backgrounds in an effort to recognise the value of language in cultural diversity. In Australia, our cultural vibrancy and our linguistic diversity is something that we should be extremely proud of—and I know that we in south-west Sydney are proud of it. Not only has it allowed the broader Australian community to develop a better understanding of the different cultural heritages that make up Australia, but also it fosters harmony and mutual respect amongst different ethnic communities.

Language is the foundation of our communication. In a cultural context, an individual's mother language is important to customs and traditions. It is the link between the past and the present in understanding heritage. But it is also very significant in developing that very important sense of identity. It is truly one of the most basic values that a person can have.

Sadly, due to the process of globalisation, I presume, mother languages are slowly disappearing, and many are also becoming, to an extent, endangered. And when language fades, so does the rich tapestry of cultural diversity, traditions and memories. Therefore, as citizens of modern, multicultural Australia, I believe that we have a role to play in supporting the preservation of mother languages and in encouraging the intercultural dialogue that it promotes.

Once again, I congratulate the member for Calwell in bringing this matter before the House. She has been at the forefront of these matters in the past and obviously will continue to be so in the future.

Debate adjourned.

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