23/02/2026
We proudly join the Office of Multicultural Interests in recognising International Mother Language Daya day that reminds us that language is more than words. It is memory. It is belonging. It is identity. 💛
At Multicultural Services Centre WA, we are honoured to serve a community that speaks 86 languages. Eighty-six different ways of saying welcome. Eighty-six different ways of telling stories, sharing wisdom, expressing love, and passing culture from one generation to the next.
Every language carries history of resilience, migration, survival, and hope. For many in our community, speaking the mother tongue is a bridge to home, to grandparents’ voices, to childhood lullabies, and to traditions that shape who they are.
On this year’s theme, “Youth voices on multilingual education,” we celebrate the young people who move confidently between languages and cultures. They are not just bilingual or multilingual; they are bridge-builders, future leaders, and living proof that diversity is strength.
Today, and every day, we stand for inclusion, respect, and the protection of linguistic diversity. Because when we honour language, we honour people.
Today marks International Mother Language Day, which honours the power of language in connecting us to culture, identity, community and each other.
This year’s theme is ‘Youth voices on multilingual education’, which shines a light on the role of young people shaping an inclusive future.
Did you know?
💬 In WA, our culturally and linguistically diverse communities speak over 249 languages, including Aboriginal and sign languages.
💬 International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh to commemorate its fight for the recognition of Bengali as an official language.
💬 OMI supports the teaching of community languages through the Community Languages Program, with 59 community language schools teaching 37 languages in WA in 2025.
Find out more about the Community Languages Program on our website - https://ow.ly/1ki550YhYnI