United Nations(UN)’s English Language Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd April to spread awareness and promote the history, culture and achievements associated with the English language. The day also promotes books, poetry and literature in the English Language.
- The English Language Day, 23rd April also marks the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, an English playwright, poet and actor, colloquially as “The Bard” or “The Bard of Avon”.
Background:
i.UN’s English Language Day was first observed by the United Nations’ Department of Global Communications in 2010 as a part of its initiative to establish language days to promote and celebrate the 6 official languages of the UN.
ii.UN language days aims to increase awareness and respect for the history, culture and achievements of each of the 6 official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) among the UN community.
Purpose:
The language days aim to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages.
Languages & UN:
i.On 1st February 1946, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted resolution 2 (I) and established Chinese, French, English, Russian and Spanish as official languages, and English and French as working languages.
ii.English and French are the working languages of the Secretariat and the other official languages may also be working languages in the Regional Commissions.
