English Language Day – Oct. 13, 2026

English Language Day
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English Language Day recognizes the profound global impact of the English language every October 13. This day commemorates the first parliamentary speech delivered in English in 1362, marking a pivotal shift from French. Explore its rich history, diverse variations, and its role as a universal medium for communication, literature, and culture.

Want to sponsor English Language Day? Learn how

Expected English Language Day Deals

As English Language Day approaches, expect a focus on educational resources and cultural exchange rather than traditional retail deals. Language learning platforms like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone often offer special discounts on subscriptions and courses. Publishers such as Penguin Random House and Oxford University Press may highlight classic English literature or offer promotions on dictionaries and grammar guides. Online education providers like Coursera and edX could feature free or discounted English proficiency courses. Additionally, cultural institutions and libraries might host free workshops or virtual events celebrating English literature and linguistics. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 13 approaches.

Platform Guide for English Language Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #EnglishLanguageDay. Share insights on the importance of English in professional settings or highlight language learning initiatives.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #EnglishLanguageDay. Join conversations about linguistic diversity, share interesting English facts, or tweet about your favorite English authors.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #EnglishLanguageDay. Post about the historical significance of the day or share stories of how English connects communities globally.

Social Media Tips for English Language Day

Individuals

Challenge yourself to learn a new English word or phrase. Read a classic piece of English literature, or watch a film with subtitles to appreciate the nuances of the language.

Creators

Produce content exploring the evolution of English slang, regional dialects, or the influence of other languages on English. Host a live Q&A about grammar or etymology.

Brands

Host a 'word of the day' series, share interesting facts about your brand's name origin, or offer a special discount on language-related products or services.

Partners & Brands for English Language Day

  1. Oxford University Press

    Founded in 1478, Oxford University Press is the largest university press in the world. It is a department of the University of Oxford and publishes a vast range of educational and academic materials, including the renowned Oxford English Dictionary, a definitive guide to the English language.

  2. British Council

    Established in 1934, the British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It promotes English language learning and cultural exchange worldwide, offering courses, exams, and resources for millions of learners.

  3. Duolingo

    Founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker, Duolingo is a popular language-learning platform. It offers free, gamified lessons for over 40 languages, including English, making language education accessible to hundreds of millions globally.

  4. Merriam-Webster

    Tracing its origins to 1831 with the publication of Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, Merriam-Webster is a leading American dictionary publisher. It is known for its comprehensive dictionaries and thesauri, both in print and online, serving as a key resource for English speakers.

  5. Cambridge University Press & Assessment

    As part of the University of Cambridge, this institution has been publishing since 1584. It is a world leader in English language learning and assessment, providing textbooks, digital resources, and internationally recognised exams like Cambridge English Qualifications.

  6. The English-Speaking Union

    Established in 1918, the English-Speaking Union is an international educational charity. It aims to promote international understanding and human achievement through the use of the English language, offering programs in public speaking, debate, and literacy.

  7. Rosetta Stone

    Founded in 1999, Rosetta Stone is a pioneer in language learning software. Its immersive approach helps users learn English and other languages through interactive lessons, focusing on practical communication skills without translation.

English Language Day Hero

William Shakespeare

Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is often called England's national poet. His extensive body of work, including 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems, profoundly influenced the development of modern English, introducing thousands of words and phrases still in use today.

History of English Language Day

The English Project launched the world’s first-ever English Language Day on October 13 in 2009. English Language Day is celebrated to commemorate October 13, 1362, when Parliament was opened for the first time by a speech in English, instead of French. In the same Parliament, a Statute of Pleading was approved that allowed members in debate to use the English language. This made English the official language of law and law-making.

English is a vast language. There are more than 250,000 words in an Oxford Dictionary — minus a lot of technical, scientific, and slang words. English is probably the only language with as many synonyms for many of its words, largely because of its enormous absorbing capacity — borrowing words from as many languages as possible, including German, Greek, Portuguese, French, Latin, and even the language of the colonies where it became widespread. Years of colonialism meant that English now also had words from Asian, the Caribbean, and African cultures. The English language has always been eager to adopt and adapt words and phrases from other languages. The willingness to adapt itself is probably what makes English so different from other languages, such as French.

The English language is easily the most broadly used and spoken language on the planet, and it enjoys a good reputation for adapting words, concepts, and cultural influences from around the world. This adds to the language’s enormous vocabulary, one that is full of odd rules, spellings, and grammar. English Language Day remembers and celebrates the incredible popularity of the language and even its eccentricities!

English Language Day timeline

5–7th Century A.D.
Origin of English

English originates from Anglo-Frisian dialects brought to Britain by Anglo-Saxon migrants.

1500
Early Modern English

The English used by William Shakespeare begins to develop.

17th Century
Modern English is Established

Proper modern English similar to that spoken today, is in place.

1755
The First Dictionary

Samuel Johnson publishes the Dictionary of the English Language.

How Businesses Can Celebrate English Language Day

Local businesses can celebrate English Language Day by highlighting the importance of clear communication and cultural understanding. Bookstores might feature sections on English literature, linguistics, or language learning guides. Cafes could host open mic nights for poetry or storytelling in English. Educational institutions and tutoring centers can offer free introductory English lessons or workshops on effective writing. Even local businesses can share fun facts about English words derived from other languages, engaging customers in the universality of the language.

English Language Day FAQs

When is English Language Day?

English Language Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 13, commemorating the historic 1362 parliamentary speech delivered in English.

How many people speak English worldwide?

English is spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, making it the most commonly spoken language globally. This includes both native speakers and those who use it as a second language for business, education, and international communication.

Why is English Language Day celebrated on October 13?

October 13 marks the anniversary of the first time the English Parliament was opened with a speech delivered in English, rather than French, in 1362. This pivotal moment signified the growing importance and official recognition of English in governance.

How has English evolved over time?

English has undergone significant evolution from Old English (c. 450–1150) through Middle English (c. 1150–1500) to Modern English. Its vocabulary has been enriched by influences from Latin, French, Greek, and many other languages, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange and conquest.

How To Celebrate English Language Day

  1. Learn more about the language

    You would be surprised to find out how so many common English words actually have roots in a different language. Try identifying these words and learn more about their origins on English Language Day.

  2. Read your favorite author

    The best way to celebrate English Language Day is by reading your favorite English language books and authors.

  3. Volunteer at a class

    Offer to volunteer at a spoken English class. You can teach the language to people of all age groups and help them get better at speaking the language.

5 Facts About The English Language That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Shakespeare coined many English words

    Shakespeare added over 1,000 words to the English language.

  2. The alphabet is smaller than before

    Originally, English had 29 letters instead of the current 26.

  3. English is the official language of the air

    English is the official language of airplane travel.

  4. The longest word in English

    ‘Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis’ is a medical term that refers to a lung disease caused by inhaling sand dust or ash.

  5. Some words are more commonly used than others

    The most commonly used adjective is ‘good.’

Why We Love English Language Day

  1. It’s one of the most popular languages in the world

    English Language Day celebrates one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It’s the day to cherish the universality of the language.

  2. Celebrates history

    The English language has a long history. Learning the history of the language also helps us understand the politics that have shaped the modern world.

  3. Celebrates arts and culture

    English is also a common medium for music, movies, literature, and other works of art. English Language Day also celebrates the role that the language has played in contributing to arts and culture.

English Language Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 13 Tuesday
2027 October 13 Wednesday
2028 October 13 Friday
2029 October 13 Saturday
2030 October 13 Sunday