Practice Quiz: International Mother Language Day 2026

Instructions:

 Choose the correct option for each question. The answer key with detailed explanations is provided at the end of the post.

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1. What is the official UNESCO theme for International Mother Language Day 2026?

A) Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning
B) Youth voices on multilingual education
C) Using technology for multilingual learning
D) Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration

2. International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 following a proposal from which country?

A) India
B) Pakistan
C) Bangladesh
D) Sri Lanka

3. Which Article of the Indian Constitution mandates that every State and local authority should provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education for linguistic minorities?

A) Article 343
B) Article 350A
C) Article 29
D) Article 351

4. According to UNESCO, approximately what percentage of the global population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand best?

A) 25%
B) 40%
C) 55%
D) 15%

5. As of February 2026, how many languages have been officially granted the status of Classical Language in India?

A) 6
B) 8
C) 11
D) 22

6. On average, one language disappears from the world every two weeks. (True/False)

True
False

7. India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 mandates that the medium of instruction should be in the mother tongue or regional language until at least which grade?

A) Grade 3
B) Grade 5
C) Grade 8
D) Grade 10

8. The period from 2022 to 2032 has been proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly as the:

A) International Decade for Literacy
B) International Decade of Indigenous Languages
C) Decade of Multilingualism for Peace
D) Decade for Sustainable Development Goals

9. Which Indian government mission leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide real-time translation and digital inclusion across local languages?

A) Bhashini
B) Gyan Bharatam
C) NISHTHA
D) Adi Vaani

10. The first official global observance of International Mother Language Day occurred in the year 2000. (True/False)

True
False

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Answer Key & Explanations

B) Youth voices on multilingual education
Explanation:
 The 2026 theme emphasizes the role of young people in shaping the future of inclusive education and linguistic diversity
.
C) Bangladesh
Explanation:
 The proposal was made by Bangladesh to honor the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement in Dhaka
.
B) Article 350A
Explanation:
 Article 350A was inserted by the 7th Amendment Act of 1956 specifically to safeguard the interests of linguistic minorities
.
B) 40%
Explanation:
 UNESCO estimates that 40% of people globally lack native-language education, which hinders learning and access to heritage
.
C) 11
Explanation:
 There are now 11 classical languages after the addition of Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali in October 2024
.
True
Explanation:
 UNESCO estimates that this rapid rate of extinction takes with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage
.
B) Grade 5
Explanation:
 NEP 2020 stipulates that instruction should be in the home language or mother tongue until at least Grade 5, and preferably until Grade 8
.
B) International Decade of Indigenous Languages
Explanation:
 This initiative (IDIL 2022-2032) aims to draw global attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and mobilize resources for their preservation
.
A) Bhashini
Explanation:
 Digital India BHASHINI aims to bridge the digital and language divides by offering voice-first multilingual solutions in Indian languages
.
True
Explanation:
 While proclaimed in late 1999, the first global celebrations took place in February 2000