summary
Introduced
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day in bringing attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage through education. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999, to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism. The annual International Mother Language Day celebration date, February 21, was chosen to commemorate the day in 1952 in Bangladesh when students died demonstrating for recognition of Bengali as a national language of Pakistan. UNESCO establishes a different theme for the annual celebration of International Mother Language Day each year, promoting various aspects of linguistic education. The year 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, reaffirming the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism in fostering dignity, peace, and understanding. According to the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger, of the over 8,000 existing languages in the world, approximately 1,181 languages are not in use and approximately 6,000 languages are classified as "endangered" with the potential to disappear within a few generations. The United States Census Bureau has identified over 350 languages spoken in the United States, at least 160 of which are distinct Native North American languages. According to the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger, 280 Native North American languages were spoken in the continental United States when the Europeans arrived and more than 115 are already extinct, with many more critically endangered. The United States enjoys a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and preserving existing languages is an essential piece to preserving this heritage.20.
AI Summary
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day, an observance established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999 to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism, and to draw attention to the importance of preserving languages and cultures through education. The date, February 21st, commemorates a 1952 event in Bangladesh where students died advocating for Bengali to be recognized as a national language. UNESCO sets a yearly theme to highlight different aspects of linguistic education, and the 25th anniversary in 2025 reinforced the value of diverse languages in fostering dignity, peace, and understanding, especially given that many of the world's over 8,000 languages are endangered or extinct, including a significant number of Native North American languages within the United States, whose rich cultural heritage is intrinsically linked to the preservation of its existing languages.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 02/24/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/SR76 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/SR/76_I1.HTM |
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