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English Language Day
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SunOct 13

English Language Day – October 13, 2024

English Language Day is celebrated on October 13 to commemorate the day Parliament was opened for the first time by a speech in English, in 1362, rather than in French. The day also celebrates the universality of the language, and how it has evolved over the centuries. Scholars believe that there is no true version of the language, as over 7,000 variations of English can be found in the world right now. English has also adopted many words from other languages. Other than speech, English has also become the primary language for movies and TV shows, literature, and music.

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.

English Language Day FAQs

Why is English Language Day celebrated?

English Language Day is observed to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity by exploring the language. 

How many countries speak English as a first language?

English is recognized as an official language in a total of 67 different countries, as well as 27 non-sovereign entities. 

What is the oldest language on earth?

As far as history goes, Sanskrit stands as the first spoken language because it dates to as far back as 5000 B.C. Yet new information indicates that although Sanskrit is among the oldest spoken languages, Tamil dates further back.

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

YearDateDay
2024October 13Sunday
2025October 13Monday
2026October 13Tuesday
2027October 13Wednesday
2028October 13Friday

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