UN English Language Day: History, Facts & Insights

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

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

📅 What day is UN English Language Day 2024?

In 2024, UN 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 view all the fun details and facts about April 23, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

English Language Day is a special day celebrated by the United Nations on April 23. It serves as a way to honor and appreciate the English language, as well as to highlight its rich history, culture, and achievements. English is one of the United Nations’ official languages, alongside French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian. These languages are not only widely spoken around the world but also play important roles within the UN. Interestingly, April 23rd holds significance beyond just English Language Day, as it marks both the birth and death of the famous playwright William Shakespeare. Therefore, this day serves as an opportunity to not only promote the English language but also to commemorate the life and works of Shakespeare.

📜 UN English Language Day History

The Germanic tribes spoke similar languages that eventually evolved into Old English, which is quite different from modern English and difficult for even native speakers to understand. Although Old English is no longer spoken, it serves as the foundation for contemporary English, and many words we use today, such as “be,” “strong,” and “water,” have their origins in this ancient language.

In 1066, William the Conqueror from Normandy invaded and conquered England. As a result, the language of the royal court and business became Norman, a variant of French, while English remained the language of the lower class. However, English continued to evolve by incorporating vocabulary from Latin and French.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the people of the British Isles ended French dominance, and English regained its importance in royal and economic contexts. This period also witnessed significant literary and cultural growth for the language, with figures like William Shakespeare playing crucial roles in its development. Shakespeare’s works introduced around 1700 new terms to the English language, including words like “compromise,” “deafening,” “cold-blooded,” “blushing,” “cater,” and “barefaced.”

Starting from the 1600s, the English language underwent further evolutions and developments due to international trade, the printing press, and the study of classical literature. The English colonization of North America also contributed to the language’s expansion and popularity. Even today, English continues to change and spread, borrowing words from other English-speaking countries and creating new phrases for business and technology.

✅ UN English Language Day Facts

🔖 It has different accents
In the United States, there are at least ten distinct accents of American English that can be heard across the country. However, when it comes to the media, the “General American” accent is commonly used.

🔖 Most U.S. states’ names aren’t English
Most of the states in the United States got their names from the Native American tribes that used to inhabit those areas.

🔖 It is not the U.S. official language
Although English is widely spoken by the majority of people, there is no legislation designating it as the official language.

👍 Why Is UN English Language Day Important

English is essential for any business that wants to truly go global because it is the language most commonly used in economic powerhouses such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. English also allows people to find work outside of their own country.

English is spoken by over a billion people in more than 118 countries. That is, one out of every five people on earth is fluent in English. It is also the language of most media companies, including major news stations and the film industry. English proficiency allows you to converse with individuals from many nations, learn about other cultures, and have access to information.

Most scientific articles, textbooks, and novels are originally published in English before being translated into other languages. Even most universities around the world require strong English skills as a prerequisite for admission.

🙂 How To Observe UN English Language Day

⚡ Build your English vocabulary

⚡ Organize a book-reading event
An easy and direct way to celebrate English culture and language is by organizing a book-reading event. Since UN English Language Day is a time to honor Shakespeare, why not choose one of his famous plays like “Hamlet” or “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to read? If you’re part of a book club, suggest dedicating a day to reading Shakespeare’s works. If not, gather your friends and family and enjoy the experience of reading together.

⚡ Organize a quiz
Why not make the most of the day by expanding your English vocabulary? You can practice pronouncing words that are normally difficult for you. You may also browse through your dictionary and learn terms that you’ve never heard of or used before.

📅 When is UN English Language Day?

You can view all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Cultural holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about UN English Language Day. So be sure to check back soon.