Date
Wednesday
Apr
23

April 23

International English Language Day

On International English Language Day, let's celebrate the power of language to connect people and bridge cultures all over the world.

Yearly Date
April 23
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the global impact of the English language on April 23 for International English Language Day! This special day was established by the United Nations in 2010 to honor one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. With over 1.5 billion speakers, English has become a universal means of communication and plays an integral role in connecting people from different cultures and backgrounds. On this day, we can reflect on how this dynamic language has evolved over time and appreciate its ability to bring us all together. So let's raise our voices and toast to the power of English!

International English Language Day Timeline

5th Century
Birth of Old English
The Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) arrive in Britain in the 5th century, their languages giving birth to Old English.
1066
Influence of Norman Conquest
The Norman Conquest of England introduces Norman French influences, significantly transforming the English language.
1476
Printing Press Arrival
The introduction of the printing press to England by William Caxton standardizes the English language and promotes literacy.
1722
First English Dictionary
Nathan Bailey publishes the first comprehensive English dictionary, further stabilizing and standardizing the language.
1800s
English Spreads Globally
During the British Empire, English spreads globally, evolving into many varieties and becoming a true global lingua franca.
2010
UN Declares English Language Day
The United Nations establishes International English Language Day to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity, and multilingualism.

How to Celebrate International English Language Day

1

Have an English language movie marathon

Gather some friends and watch a series of movies in English to celebrate the global influence of the language in the film industry.

2

Attend an English language play or performance

Support your local theater and watch a play or performance in English. This is a great way to appreciate the beauty and nuances of the language.

3

Organize a language exchange event

Connect with people from different cultures and practice speaking English with them. This is a great way to celebrate the diversity and universality of the language.

4

Try cooking an English dish

Expand your culinary skills by trying out a traditional English dish. You can also invite some friends over and turn it into a potluck to share different English dishes.

5

Join an English language book club

Find a local book club that focuses on English literature and join in the discussions. This is a great way to celebrate the power and beauty of the written word in English.

Why We Love International English Language Day

A

English is a universal language

One of the main reasons to love International English Language Day is because it celebrates the widespread use and importance of the English language. With over 1.5 billion speakers worldwide, English has become an essential tool for communication in business, education, and travel.

B

It promotes cultural exchange

As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, English allows for greater cultural exchange and understanding between people from different backgrounds. International English Language Day celebrates the diversity that comes with using a common language to connect with others.

C

It's a chance to learn and improve our skills

International English Language Day also serves as a reminder to continue learning and improving our language skills. Whether it's through reading, writing, or speaking, there's always room for growth when it comes to mastering the complexities of the English language.

International English Language Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 22
Saturday
2024
Apr 22
Monday
2025
Apr 22
Tuesday
2026
Apr 22
Wednesday
2027
Apr 22
Thursday