Annually the UN celebrates English Language Day every year on April 23, with the aim of promoting cultural diversity and multilingualism. It is also the UN’s objective to use all the official languages of the organization equally.
Interestingly, World Book and Copyright Day is observed on this day too. The specific day was chosen eight years ago to commemorate the traditional birthday and death of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer in English. The first time English Language Day was celebrated in 2010. Not much is known about the early life of William Shakespeare. It was known that he was baptized on April 26, 1564 and it was assumed that he was born on April 23 that year. What the world knows about the national poet of England are his works, which are still read and used today. Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 at the age of 52.
Some of the famous books written by William Shakespeare
- Hamlet
- King Lear
- The Tempest
- First Folio
- Macbeth
- Othello
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Romeo and Juliet
- Twelfth Night
- As you Like it
Some of the famous poems written by William Shakespeare
- A Fairy Song
- Bridal Song
- Fear No More
- The Phoenix and the Turtle
- Orpheus
The United Nations celebrates the English Language Day with the objective of informing and entertaining people about the achievements, culture, and history of the English language. The English Language Day is a global awareness program. English is considered a world language and a bridge language that is often used by speakers.
Ten Fast Facts about the English Language:
- There is no word in the English language that rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple.
- “E” is the most commonly used letter in the English language.
- Nigeria has more English speakers than the United Kingdom.
- “Pronunciation” is the most mispronounced English word.
- The word “checkmate” in chess comes from an Arabic phrase, “shah mat”, which means “the king is helpless.”
- More words start with “S” than any other letter.
- Eighty-nine percent of people in Sweden speak English.
- Two of the shortest completed sentences in the English language are “Go.” and “I am.”
English Language Day Activities 2022
- Schools, colleges, and educational institutions can conduct a variety of activities that can enhance the literacy skills of students. Schools can conduct poetry competitions to enhance the creativity of students.
- Promote cultural diversity by conducting presentations that include cultural diversity across the world.
- Conduct stage plays and role-plays thus providing an opportunity for students to enhance their acting skills.
- Conduct essay writing competitions on various topics, helping students develop the ability to read, write, think, organize ideas, and communicate in an efficient manner.
- Conduct quizzes to help children learn about the diverse world.
- Encourage reading in students
- Conduct group discussions and debates at schools and institutions thus helping them improve their public speaking skills and help them in building confidence.
This is the day when we can make people realize the importance of this language. A very Happy English Language Day to all of you!
