English Language Day

English Language Day is celebrated on April 23rd each year by the United Nations (UN) permission.

There was a language beginning from a small island off the coast of Western Europe. Then it gradually developed and spread through a few different permutations until one day, in an explosion of colonialism, it suddenly spread around the world like a forest fire. It became the national language that was the most powerful in the world and has since become the language of commerce of the nations of the world. English Language Day celebrates this language, its history and its quirks!

History of English Language Day

As a Germanic language that began to develop during the 5th and 6th centuries when the Anglo-Saxons settled in England, English was also influenced by French, Latin, and many other languages. While English is the most spoken language in the world, it is the mother tongue of only a quarter of English speakers. Or more impressively, for three-quarters of English speakers, it is at least their second if not a third or fourth language.

In 2010, the United Nations recognized the six official languages of the United Nations by naming them and to draw attention to the history, culture and achievements of each. April 23rd was chosen as English Language Day by the United Nations to memorize the famous English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, who died on the same day in 1616.

The six days are recognized including Francophone Day on March 20th, Chinese Language Day on April 20th, English Language Day on April 23rd, Spanish Language Day on April 23rd, and Spanish Language Day on April 23rd. Russian Language on June 6 and Arabic Language Day on December 18th. The United Nations also celebrates International Mother Language Day on February 21 and International Translation Day on September 30.

How to celebrate English Language Day

To have a happy English Language Day, let spend time on learning about its history and words that may not be used at the moment. Learn about where it is said and how it is used. Maybe spend some time on helping someone learn English better or learn about the different variations. Canadian English, British English, Scots English and American English all have their own colloquialisms and little slang that are very different from each other! Wouldn't it be interesting to learn how a language can have so many variations and still be considered a single language? English Language Day gives you the opportunity to do just that!