English Language Day

English Language Day History

English Language Day highlights the linguistic and cultural diversity of the six official languages of the United Nations, including the English language. The day is also dedicated to promoting equal use of all six official languages throughout the organization. For English, it is a day to reflect on its global importance, evolution, impact on linguistic diversity, and its role in the spread of education as a universal tool that binds different cultures and societies, be it for business, technology, or communication.

English Language Day was first established by the United Nations Department for General Assembly and Conference Management in 2010. In India specifically, English plays a key role in society and has a rich history. It arrived during British colonial rule and has since emerged as a lingua franca among various Indian ethnic, regional linguistic groups. It’s also become a prevalent language of education, administration, and increasingly in personal communication. Notably, it is the second language learned by most of the citizens and is featured prominently in the media, literature, films, and the internet. English Language Day serves to highlight this historical link and contemporary relevance in India.

In India, English Language Day may be observed through a varied range of activities including educational sessions, book-reading clubs, poetry and literary readings, and English language competitions focusing on fluency, vocabulary, or accents. Schools and colleges may organize special sessions to highlight the importance of English in today’s globalized world. English Language Day is globally observed on 23rd April, which also celebrates William Shakespeare's birthday.

Facts about English Language Day

• There are six total working languages among the UN community and five other language days. They are: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.
• There are approximately 106 total countries that use English as a first-language and some 339 million first-language speakers (i.e. it is their first and primary language spoken) worldwide.
• The English language can trace its origins back to the year 450 when invading German tribes spoke a similar language. The language of this time period came to be referred to as Old English. Native English speakers today would have trouble understanding it, as it has many differences to what we now consider the English language.
• English Language Day is also an opportunity to enhance and celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of India, with its over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups and more than 1,600 spoken languages.
• Indian authors writing in English, like Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, and Amitav Ghosh, have gained international acclaim. Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things (written in English) won the Booker Prize in 1997.

In the News and Trending in India for English Language Day

Top things to do in India for English Language Day

• Volunteer at a local English Second Language center that provides incoming immigrants with language training. Many of these centers operate with volunteers and you can help the learners practice their English.
• Attend Workshops and Seminars: Several schools, colleges, and universities in India commemorate English Language Day by organizing workshops and seminars. These events delve into the significance, history, culture, and evolution of the English language.
• Visit Libraries and Bookstores: India is home to some beautiful and historically significant libraries and bookstores. Visiting places like British Council Library (Delhi), Connemara Public Library (Chennai), Oxford Bookstore (Kolkata) could be an enriching experience.