Words Matter Week is celebrated in the first full week in March. Have you ever said something to someone and immediately thought “I probably shouldn’t have said that” or felt you could have expressed it in a better or more soothing way? If yes, National Words Matter Week is for you just as it is for everyone else. It is a call to action to remind ourselves that our words and how we communicate with others truly matter. No matter the language you speak, feelings and expressions remain the same and so National Words Matter Week should be celebrated by everyone.
History of Words Matter Week
Words Matter Week is spearheaded by the National Association Of Independent Writers & Editors (NAIWE) and has been celebrated as far back as 2008 when the first one was observed. NAIWE is a professional association for all publishing professionals and its mission is to help members succeed with its unique focus on creating multiple streams of income.
The National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) was founded in 2007. It was originally called the National Association of Independent Writing Evaluators and as time passed and the association grew, it changed the name to accommodate all its members as well as its mission in 2009. The association is international in scope and reach and its membership isn’t restricted by geographical borders as it has members in every continent in the world.
This year, National Words Matter Week falls from March 6 to March 12, in a week-long celebration to use words properly and all sorts of fun activities centered around the use of words. Speaking an individual’s language is not just about speaking a national language that the person understands. The language has to be used strategically as well. You need to speak in the communication style that resonates with them, speak to what they value, what they need, and what they respect. By so doing, your message will not just be heard but accepted as well.
For example, someone who refers to himself as queer wouldn’t have an issue getting called that by someone who is the same but might have an issue being called that by someone who isn’t. Likewise, some words come with prejudice and so we should be mindful of their use of them. Whether you’re a blogger, copywriter, copyeditor, publicist, in any profession in the world, or just that random person walking down the street, make sure to use words the right way.
Words Matter Week timeline
The National Association of Independent Writing Evaluators is founded.
The first edition of National Words Matter week is celebrated.
The name of the association is changed to the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE).
National Words Matter Weeks is celebrated for the 10th year.
Words Matter Week FAQs
How many characters is the longest word in the English dictionary
The longest English word has nearly 190,000 characters.
What is the shortest word in the dictionary that contains all five vowels
The word is ‘Eunoia.’
What is the longest word without a vowel
There are actually two words. ‘Crwth’ and ‘cwtch’ are of Welsh origin which means a musical instrument and a cupboard respectively.
Words Matter Week Activities
Spread awareness
Spread awareness of the day by posting on social media with the hashtag #WordsMatterWeek. It helps others to know about the celebration and what it is about.
Play word games
Play word games like scrabble and boggle to celebrate the day. It helps to learn new vocabulary and keep the mind sharp.
Compliment someone
Compliment someone or even more than one person to celebrate the day. Your words might just put a smile on their faces.
5 Interesting Facts About Words
The word with XYZ in order
The word is ‘hydroxyzine’ and it refers to a type of medicine that helps with sneezing and anxiety.
The day before yesterday has a word
The word is called ‘nudiustertian’, but given the time it would take you to explain it, it might be best to stick with ‘the day before yesterday.’
The single letter use words
‘Uncopyrightable’ and ‘dermatoglyphics’ are the two longest words in the English language that don’t repeat a letter.
The word to describe your first encounter
‘Qualtagh’ is the word for this. It can also be used to describe the first person to enter your home in the new year.
The word with the most meanings
The verb and sometimes noun of the word ‘set’ has the most meanings of any English word with 430 listed in the dictionary.
Why We Love Words Matter Week
We learn about control
Celebrating National Words Matter Week helps us realize that we might be offending some people unknowingly. After this, we can learn to control our words.
We learn new words
With the different activities that happen during the week, we are bound to learn a word or two. This goes on to help us better express ourselves.
It improves our writing
There’s no way you learn new words and your writing stays the same. With the week coming by, we don’t just learn new words but improve our writing as well.
Words Matter Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 3–9 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2025 | March 2–8 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1–7 | Sunday–Saturday |
