World English Day 2023: History, Theme and Significance

World English Day 2023: History, Theme and Significance


World English Day, also known as English Language Day, is celebrated every year on April 23 to commemorate the birth and death anniversary of the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare. It was established first time by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010 to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as to celebrate the importance of the English language in the world.
The English language is one of the most popular languages spoken around the globe. The day prospects the history, culture, development, and achievements associated with the language.
World English Day 2023: History
As it is widely spoken, English is referred to as the lingua franca of the modern era. In addition to French, it serves as the working language of the United Nations (UN). The Department of Global Communications initiated language days for each of the Organisation’s six official languages in 2010, which led to the establishment of World English Day or English Language Day.
English is spoken by around 952 million people across the world as their first language and 603 million people as their second language.
World English Day 2023: Theme
The theme for World English Language Day changes every year and often represents a specific facet of the language’s importance. Previous themes designated by the UN for this day include “English as a Global Language” and “English and Creativity,” which spotlight the language’s influence on global culture, education, and communication.
World English Day 2023: Significance
World English Day’s significance lies in its capacity to unite people from diverse cultures and backgrounds through a shared language. English is the most commonly spoken language worldwide and is used as a tool for communication in various fields, such as business, science, and technology. Celebrating World English Day enables us to acknowledge the language’s power and significance, promoting its continued usage and growth.
Furthermore, it presents an opportunity to foster multilingualism and encourage individuals to learn and utilise more than one language, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of distinct cultures.


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