English Language Day 2024: Wishes, Quotes, History and Significance

United Nations (UN) English Language Day is a momentous occasion celebrated annually on April 23. This date coincides with the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, the most renowned playwright in the English language. Shakespeare’s contributions not only solidified his status as a literary giant, but also profoundly influenced the evolution of modern English.

Today, English stands as a global language, with approximately one in four individuals worldwide speaking the language. It serves as a bridge, enabling communication between individuals with diverse native languages. Let’s take a look at the day’s significance, history and more.

English Language Day: Quotes To Share

1. “The English language is nobody’s special property. It is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself.” –Derek Walcott
2. “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” –Rita Mae Brown
3. “To have another language is to possess a second soul.” –Charlemagne
4. “English is not a language. It’s three languages wearing a trenchcoat pretending to be one.” –Unknown
5. “The English language is like a broad river on whose bank a few favoured people are privileged to stand. The great mass of humanity, on the other hand, stands on the opposite shore.”–Cyril Connolly

English Language Day: Wishes

1. Let’s join the UN mission to promote multilingualism on English Language Day.
2. A very Happy English Language Day to you and your family. Keep Learning!
3. Let’s celebrate English Language Day by showing respect for the language and the eminent writer William Shakespeare.
4. This day is to honour the language that has helped everyone communicate in a common language. Happy English Language Day.
5. What adds glory to the occasion of English Language Day is the birth anniversary of William Shakespeare. Wishing you all a very pleasant English Language Day.
6. Let’s celebrate the English Language Day by reading the best of the work in English.

English Language Day: History

The inception of English Language Day can be traced back to 2010 when the Department of Global Communications initiated language days dedicated to each of the Organisation’s six official languages. The primary objective of these language days is to celebrate linguistic diversity and multiculturalism, while advocating for the equitable use of all six official languages within the United Nations.

The selection of April 23 as English Language Day is particularly symbolic, as it is believed to be Shakespeare’s birth and death anniversary. During the 16th and 17th centuries when Shakespeare was prolific, the English language underwent significant transformation. His innovative use of language introduced hundreds of new words and phrases that continue to enrich English vocabulary.

English Language Day: Significance

The significance of English Language Day extends beyond honouring Shakespeare’s legacy; it underscores the pivotal role of English as a facilitator of effective communication and cultural exchange. English is not only a crucial language for international diplomacy and business but also serves as a gateway to knowledge and global opportunities.

This annual observance emphasises the importance of acquiring proficiency in English to actively engage in the global community, broaden one’s horizons, and leverage the myriad benefits it offers.

English Language Day serves as a platform to celebrate the diversity and richness of the language and its cultural heritage, encouraging individuals to utilise it as a tool for fostering understanding and building connections with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

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