English Language Day – October 13, 2022, history, significance
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.
HOW TO CELEBRATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAY
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.
Read your favorite author
The best way to celebrate English Language Day is by reading your favorite English language books and authors.
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
Shakespeare coined many English words
Shakespeare added over 1,000 words to the English language.
The alphabet is smaller than before
Originally, English had 29 letters instead of the current 26.
English is the official language of the air
English is the official language of airplane travel.
The longest word in English
‘Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis’ is a medical term that refers to a lung disease caused by inhaling sand dust or ash.
Some words are more commonly used than others
The most commonly used adjective is ‘good.’
WHY WE LOVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAY
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.
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.
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.
