International English Language Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International English Language Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International English Language Day is celebrated on April 23rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International English Language Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about International English Language Day.

📅 What day is International English Language Day 2024?

In 2024, International English Language Day is on Sunday, April 23rd. It is the 4th Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the cool details and facts about April 23, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on April 23, people around the world celebrate International English Language Day. This special day, established by the United Nations, aims to promote awareness of the language’s rich history and improve language skills among speakers globally. It is part of a larger initiative to encourage cultural diversity and multilingualism, along with Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish. To mark this occasion, various organizations worldwide organize activities like book readings, film screenings, and quizzes. The purpose of International English Language Day is to teach people of all ages about the beauty, complexity, and universality of the language, whether they are students or adults.

📜 International English Language Day History

Between 450 A.D. and 1100 A.D., the Old English language developed by the Germanic tribes became the ancient form of English that is still widely spoken today. The end of Old English came around 1100 A.D. when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, arrived in England and caused a linguistic divide. This division resulted in the emergence of Middle English, a combination of Old English and French, which became the main language in Britain in the 14th century.

In the early 16th century, Modern English came into being as the language underwent significant sound changes in what is known as the ‘Great Vowel Shift’. During this time, the printing of texts and books began, establishing modern English as the standard in the United Kingdom. The first English-language dictionary was published in 1604.

One major difference between today’s English and 16th-century Modern English is vocabulary. The Industrial Revolution and the expansive British Empire played a role in shaping the vocabulary of the language. The Industrial Revolution necessitated the creation of new words, while the British Empire’s global reach required the incorporation of foreign words into the English language.

✅ International English Language Day Facts

🔖 The longest word in the English language
The word “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis” is the longest in the English language and it refers to a medical condition affecting the lungs that is caused by inhaling small particles of silica dust.

🔖 The shortest English sentence

🔖 English as the universal language
There are approximately 952 million people around the world who speak English as their first language, and an additional 603 million people who speak it as a second language.

👍 Why Is International English Language Day Important

International English Language Day emphasizes the advantages of studying English, which facilitates communication. As the world’s universal language, it enables people from all over the world to communicate, whether for business or pleasure.

While English is widely used, few people are aware of its rich history and growth. This occasion allows people to learn about its history and appreciate its subtleties.

Every bookworm around the globe celebrates International English Language Day. It’s that time of year when you can kick back, grab a cup of coffee, and spend the day immersed in your favorite novel.

🙂 How To Observe International English Language Day

⚡ Experience Shakespeare

⚡ Host a book club with your friends
One of the best ways to commemorate International English Language Day is by bringing together your friends for a book club gathering. It presents a fantastic chance to enjoy quality time with your friends, discussing beloved books and exchanging recommendations for future reading.

⚡ Take online English classes
The 23rd of April is both International English Language Day and Talk Like Shakespeare Day. Spend the day watching your favorite Shakespeare flicks or reading his world-famous plays.

📅 When is International English Language Day?

Explore all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about International English Language Day. So be sure to check back soon.