Bill Text: TX HR417 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Recognizing February 21, 2019, as International Mother Language Day.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-02-19 - Filed [HR417 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-HR417-Introduced.html

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86R11435 BPG-D
By: Meza H.R. No. 417

R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The observance of International Mother Language Day
on February 21, 2019, provides an opportunity to celebrate cultural
and linguistic diversity; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization established International Mother
Language Day to support the preservation of differences in cultures
and languages and to encourage greater awareness of multilingualism
as an important resource; and
WHEREAS, Languages carry complex implications for identity,
social integration, and development, as well as communication and
learning; they are powerful instruments for maintaining tangible
and intangible heritage, but of the estimated 6,000 languages
spoken in the world, at least 43 percent are endangered by
globalization; and
WHEREAS, Only a few hundred languages have been allotted a
genuine place in educational systems and the public domain, and
under 100 are used in the digital world; furthermore, 40 percent of
all people lack access to an education in a language they speak or
understand; and
WHEREAS, When languages disappear, the world loses
traditions, memories, and unique modes of thinking and expression,
but by valuing and preserving linguistic diversity, humankind not
only saves irreplaceable cultural resources, but also inspires
solidarity based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 21, 2019, as International
Mother Language Day.