United Nations(UN) English Language Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd April to promote the English language and to celebrate the history, culture and achievements associated with the English language.
The day, 23rd April, also marks the birth and death anniversary of English playwright, poet and actor, William Shakespeare.Â
Background:
i.In 2010, the United Nations Department of Global Communications observed the first-ever UN English Language Day, as a part of its initiative to establish language days to promote and celebrate all 6 official languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish – of the UN.
ii.The UN’s language days are annually observed to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity.
Language Days of UN:
- French – 20 March
- Chinese – 20 April
- English – 23 April
- Spanish – 23 April
- Russian – 6 June
- Arabic – 18 December
Significance of UN & English:
English and French are the two working languages of the UN Secretariat.
- 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.
- The other official languages may also be working languages in the Regional Commissions.
UN & Multilingualism:
i.The Department of Global Communications has set minimum standards for UN web multilingualism to eliminate the ‘disparity between the use of English and the use of the other five official languages’ and ‘to ensure the full and equitable treatment of all the official languages,’ as mandated by the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA).
ii.Multilingualism enables communication between the UN’s linguistically and culturally diverse Member States within the meeting rooms and halls of the UN.
