2023 International Mother Language Day

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Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Releases Immigrant Resource Road Map in Over 50 Languages

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Contact: scoronel@cityhall.nyc.gov

NEW YORK, NY – Today, Commissioner Manuel Castro of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) released a newly designed immigrant resource roadmap in 52 languages. The roadmap includes a list of city resources and protected rights for all New Yorkers regardless of their immigration status.

"Every language is filled with a rich culture," said Commissioner Castro. "New York City would not be the incredible city it is without the 400+ languages spoken in our five boroughs. As we observe International Mother Language Day, our office celebrates the city's diversity by ensuring communities can access information and connect with their city in their own language."

On February 21, 1952, students in Bangladesh began the Language Movement for the right to speak, learn, and govern in their native language. Since then, International Mother Language Day (IMLD) became a national holiday that is observed to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. A mother language is the first language that someone speaks.

Language access is essential to the health, safety, recovery, and resiliency of our communities. Every New Yorker has a right to speak and engage with New York City in their language, protected by Local Law 30.

On this International Mother Language Day, the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs affirms celebrates the linguistic diversity of New York City – where more than 400 languages are spoken. New Yorkers can access the immigrant resource roadmap here.