English Language Day is celebrated annually on April 23rd to honor the significance of the English language worldwide. This date is particularly meaningful as it marks both the birth and death of William Shakespeare, one of the most influential figures in English literature. The day serves to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, emphasizing the role of English as a global lingua franca.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: April 23
- Tagged as: UN English Language Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #EnglishLanguageDay
- When was it founded?: 2010
- Who founded it?: United Nations Department of Global Communications
History of English Language Day
English Language Day was established by the United Nations in 2010 as part of an initiative to celebrate each of its six official languages. The choice of April 23 coincides with Shakespeare’s birthday and death anniversary, highlighting his profound impact on the language.
Timeline
- 2010: UN establishes English Language Day.
- 1564: Birth of William Shakespeare.
- 1616: Death of William Shakespeare.
- 1362: First speech in Parliament delivered in English.
- 1755: Publication of Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language.
- 2024: Continued global observance of English Language Day.
Dates by Next Year 2025 to 2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 23 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 23 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April 23 | Friday |
| 2028 | April 23 | Sunday |
| 2029 | April 23 | Monday |
| 2030 | April 23 | Tuesday |
Observed
English Language Day is recognized globally, with events ranging from educational activities to celebrations of literature and culture, encouraging people to engage with the language in various forms.
Fun Facts About English Language Day
- English is considered the “language of the air,” as it is used universally in aviation communication.
- Shakespeare is credited with inventing over 1,700 words that are still in use today.
- Approximately every 98 minutes, a new word is added to the English language.
Quiz
- When is English Language Day celebrated?
- Who is commemorated on this day?
- What role does English play in international communication?
Answers:
- April 23
- William Shakespeare
- It serves as a global lingua franca for communication across cultures.
FAQs
Why is English Language Day important?
It celebrates linguistic diversity and promotes the use of English as a tool for global communication and understanding.
How can I celebrate this day?
You can celebrate by reading works by Shakespeare, learning new vocabulary, or participating in language-related activities.
Related
- World Book Day
- International Mother Language Day
- Shakespeare’s Birthday