Mother Language Day Events at UAlbany Celebrate Languages, Multilingualism

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 20, 2025) — The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures (LLC) is celebrating Mother Language Day today with food, games and events highlighting a host of languages and cultures.

Celebrated worldwide on Feb. 21, International Mother Language Day was first observed in Bangladesh and recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1999 as a day to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people around the world. UNESCO estimates that of the 8,324 languages spoken or signed, around 7,000 are still in use, with many languages facing extinction at an accelerated pace.

At UAlbany, celebrations will begin at 3 p.m. today with a social hour in Humanities 354 and continue throughout the afternoon and evening. Students, staff, faculty and anyone with an interest in languages is invited to enjoy food, games, prizes and community.

See the full list of events below.

3-4 p.m. Galettes and crepes traditions

The French Program and the French Club invite the public to share in the tradition of Galettes des rois (King Cakes) and crepes (French pancakes) in Humanities 290. Contact: cherbelin@albany.edu

4-5 p.m. Stump the Professor

Students try to stump a panel of professors by finding words they don’t know. Come learn something new!

5-6 p.m. All the Facts: Trivia

Join friends and colleagues in a trivia contest and answer questions from around the world representing cultures related to the eight languages taught by the Department (Arabic, French, German, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish).

6-7 p.m. Open mic night/karaoke

Share your talents with the audience and express your culture through singing, dancing, reciting a poem, etc.