Webster Athens Supports Language Preservation at Bangladesh Embassy ‘Martyrs of Language’ Event
March 18, 2025
Dr. Peggy Manouka, professor of sociolinguistics at Webster Athens Campus of Webster University, represented the institution at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh’s in Athens event commemorating the “Martyrs of Language”—those who fought for their mother tongue, Bangla, on Feb. 21, 1952.
Their sacrifice led UNESCO to designate this date as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.
In honor of this historic occasion, Manouka, speaking on behalf of Webster Athens — an institution committed to linguistic diversity — emphasized the importance of language preservation. "Mother tongues empower us, give us dignity and justice," she stated, underscoring the vital role of languages in identity and cultural heritage.
The initiative to recognize International Mother Language Day originated in Bangladesh and was officially approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference. Since 2000, the day has been observed worldwide to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
“Our languages are dying,” said Manouka during her address. “Words and ideas are being
lost forever. We must fight back! Languages must fight back! We must preserve the
rich, enticing, diverse linguistic landscape for the generations to come.”
On behalf of Webster Athens, she announced the designation of scholarships to qualified
students from Bangladesh living in Athens, reinforcing the institution’s commitment
to educational inclusivity and cultural preservation.
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Athens, including Ambassador of Bangladesh to Athens
Nahida Rahman Shumona, Chairperson of the Greece-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship
Group and Greek Parliament Member Giorgos Kotsos, lay a wreath at the Embassy Shahid
Minar (National Monument) ceremony to honor the young language martyrs who sacrificed
their lives for the freedom to speak their mother tongue.
The event featured remarks from the Ambassador of Bangladesh in Athens, Nahida Rahman Shumona, who paid a rich tribute to the language martyrs and praised the courageous youth of Bangladesh. Shumona read a message from Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. In his statement, Yunus paid tribute to linguistic communities worldwide and reflected on the historical significance of the Bengali language movement: “The Bengali Nation, which had endured centuries of enslavement and domination, achieved its first victory in its struggle for independence on Feb. 21, 1952. The language movement holds special significance in the history of the Bengali nation's movement for liberation.”
The Chairperson of the Greece-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group and Member of Greek Parliament Giorgos Kotsos attended the event as Guest of Honor. He praised the resilience and dedication of the Bangladeshi community in Greece, particularly highlighting the country’s youth for their role in driving positive change.
UNESCO continues to emphasize the critical role of cultural and linguistic diversity in building sustainable societies. Within its mandate for peace, UNESCO advocates for the preservation of linguistic differences that foster tolerance and respect across communities. According to the United Nations, a language disappears every two weeks, erasing an entire cultural and intellectual heritage with it. While UNESCO estimates that over 8,300 languages exist globally, only a small fraction are actively used in education, governance and digital spaces.
Today, there is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, according to UNESCO. They are essential for strengthening cooperation, attaining quality education for all and preserving cultural heritage while mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development.
The event underscored Webster Athens’ commitment to fostering global awareness and cultural appreciation, reinforcing the university’s dedication to educational excellence and inclusivity.
Webster Athens
Webster Athens is the only fully-owned and accredited U.S. university campus in Greece, bringing the best of American education to the heart of Athens. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs that combine academic excellence with a unique cultural immersion, preparing students to succeed in an interconnected world.
For more information about Webster Athens and its scholarship opportunities, contact Webster Athens Admissions.