Poland marks International Mother Language Day

Leslaw Zurek (L), Janusz Radek (2L), Jacek Wojcicki (2R) and Marian Opania performing renditions of Julian Tuwim's verses. Photo - PAP/Jacek Turczyk

Chiming in with the official tribute year dedicated to poet Julian Tuwim, new musical arrangements of the writer's verses were performed at the capital's Polish Theatre (Teatr Polski).

Meanwhile, First Lady Anna Komorowska awarded a presidential medal to Professor Jadwiga Puzynina of Warsaw University for her merits in promoting the Polish language.

Among Puzynina's achievements is the creation of a dictionary based on the works of Polish Romantic poet Cyprian Norwid.

International Mother Language Day was first proposed by UNESCO in November 1999.

UNESCO chose 21 February as suitable date, recalling demonstrations in Pakistan on that day in 1952, when Pakistani police shot students protesting for the use of Bangla (Bengali).

International Mother Language Day was formally recognised by the UN in 2008. (nh/pg)

source: PAP