UN English Language Day

In the United Nations, each official language has its own commemorative day. English Language Day is celebrated on April 23, the date traditionally observed as William Shakespeare's birthday.

United Nations Language Days were established by UNESCO in 2010 in order to celebrate linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism and cross-cultural communication. The date of each language day bears certain historic significance. For instance, English Language Day marks the birthday of William Shakespeare.

In fact, Shakespeare's actual date of birth is unknown. It is only known that he was baptized on April 26, 1564. But his birthday is traditionally observed on April 23, the feast of Saint George. This date has been appealing to Shakespeare's biographers because he died on April 23, 1616.

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. His use of language helped standardize English grammar and shape modern English. No wonder it is his birthday that has been chosen as English Language Day.

English is the third-most common native language in the world. It is an official language of almost sixty sovereign states, one of the official languages of the European Union and of the UN, as well as of many international organizations.