English Language Day

Divya Raghav
Dec 22, 2023 By Divya Raghav
Originally Published on Feb 18, 2022
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit
English Language Day is celebrated to cherish the traditions and heritage of the English language.

Where is English Language Day celebrated?

English Language Day is celebrated worldwide. Many people celebrate English Day as it is a standard bridge language. As the language originated in medieval England, the people of England celebrate it by conducting events showing gender equality, gender identity, and gender stereotypes. The English Language day celebrates the language's popularity and even its eccentricities!

Who is English Language Day celebrated by?

Globally people celebrate this day like other international days. The day aims to wish the traditional birth and death of William Shakespeare.

When did English Language Day first start?

World English day started first on April 23, 2010. The language's origin started around 450 AD when German tribes invaded medieval England. After this incident, Scandinavian Vikings invaded England and settled in their speeches.

Later, from modern-day France, William became King and Norman-French became the language of the courts. Finally, 45% of the English words are originated from French.

The English language took around 1,400 years to reach its complete development. The first version of modern English communication is started in the 15th century. More than 1.75 billion people speak English all around the world.

Who started English Language Day?

UNESCO started English Day in 2010 to celebrate books and encourage young people to realize the pleasure of reading. UNESCO is referred to as United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

This organization helps to build peace through international cooperation in education and culture. UNESCO conducted a special event for the first English Day in the United Nations to promote global communications. In addition, every year, UNESCO share about 15 million book tokens with children and young people to share culture.

History And Timeline

English is one Germanic language that originated in the mid of fifth to seventh centuries AD. Modern English came into existence around 1700.

Samuel Johnson published the first full-featured English dictionary in 1755. The first English dictionary was 'the Dictionary of the English Language.' Most of the words of modern English arrived from the books and poems of William Shakespeare.

Britain Abandons Colonies

The colonization of the Americans by the British began in the early 17th century. This is one of the failed attempts by England. Here, England was unable to establish permanent colonies in the north.

1782

Webster Publishes American English Dictionary

Merriam-Webster is an American company present in the United States. The company publishes reference books and dictionaries. This company is one of the oldest dictionaries published in the United States. The company issued the famous 'American English dictionary' in the year 1828. The dictionary consists of more than 70,000 entries.

1828

British Broadcasting Corporation Founded

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is one of the national broadcasters of the United Kingdom. The corporation had a headquarters in London. BBC's revenue comes from BBC Studios, which sells BBC services and programs. It provides 24-hour news services in the name of BBC World News.

1922

Oxford English Dictionary Published

The 'Oxford English Dictionary (OED)' is one of the historical dictionaries of English. The Oxford English dictionary is initially published by 'Oxford University Press (OUP).' The OED has 12 volumes with a one-volume supplement. The online version of OED has been made available since 2000. They have approximately 2 million visits per month.

1928

Samuel Johnson - English Dictionary

Samuel Johnson is an English author located in Great Britain. He published an English dictionary in 1755, which is well-known as 'Johnson's dictionary.' This dictionary is found as the most influential dictionary in the world.

1755

Traditions And Customs

Being considered the bridge language all over the world, English is one of the most celebrated languages worldwide. Since most people have learned this language, on this day, people show their English novel collections to others. Others host webinars on the importance of English and how it has removed a language barrier from the world.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate English Language Day

Some of the popular ways to celebrate English day is defined in the below-mentioned ways,

  • Conduct fun-filled activities like quizzes historical arguments.
  • Create awareness campaigns about the history and origin of the English.
  • In schools, we can make the children take resolutions (e.g., to speak in English all over the campus) to improve their communication.
  • Organize parties where we can play songs as the English have a close connection with pieces of music.
  • Speak English vocabulary for better skill.

Facts And Stats

  • English acts as an official language and working language for more than 67 countries and is the reason for harmonious communication. Hence, this day is celebrated worldwide. Harmonious communication is the main motive of propagating the day.
  • The English Day coincides with World Book Day and Copyright Day, mentioned in international affairs.
  • Apart from English, there are other language days like the language days of Spanish, French, Chinese. This day is also known as World Books Day.

Why do we celebrate English Language Day?

English Language Day is celebrated to promote the English language

What is a world English Language Day?

The UN started world English Language Day to celebrate the English Language

Why do we celebrate English Language Day?

The English Language Day is celebrated to respect the English language and its achievements.

Who discovered the English Language Day?

The UN started the English Language Day.

What are the limitations in celebrating English Language Day?

There is no limitation in celebrating English Language Day.

How do families celebrate English Language Day?

Families can celebrate world English Day by organizing fun-filled activities like quizzes. Playing English music and organizing English skits are perfect ways to celebrate this day.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, April 23, 2020
  • Friday, April 23, 2021
  • Saturday, April 23, 2022
  • Sunday, April 23, 2023
  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024

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Written by Divya Raghav

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

Divya Raghav picture

Divya RaghavBachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

With a diverse range of experience in finance, administration, and operations, Divya is a diligent worker known for her attention to detail. Born and raised in Bangalore, she completed her Bachelor's in Commerce from Christ University and is now pursuing an MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore. Along with her professional pursuits, Divya has a passion for baking, dancing, and writing content. She is also an avid animal lover who dedicates her time to volunteering for animal welfare causes.

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Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha Dixit picture

Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

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