English Language Day 2025: Celebrating Language, Culture, and Creativity
Observed annually on April 23, English Language Day is a global celebration of the English language's richness, history, and influence. Established by the United Nations in 2010, the day coincides with the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, honouring his immense contributions to English literature.
Why April 23?
The date was chosen to pay tribute to William Shakespeare, one of the most influential writers in the English language. His plays and poems not only shaped English literature but also introduced numerous words and expressions still used today.
A Global Language with Local Impact
English has evolved into the most widely spoken language worldwide, transcending borders and connecting people across cultures. It plays a critical role in global communication, diplomacy, education, science, media, and business. For millions, English is more than a language—it's a gateway to opportunity.
Origin and Purpose of the Day
Launched by the United Nations Department of Public Information, English Language Day promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity. Along with five other official UN languages—Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish—each has a day of recognition to foster mutual respect and understanding.
The Significance of English Today
English serves as a universal tool for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Beyond grammar and vocabulary, it embodies storytelling, critical thinking, and creativity. The day encourages people to reflect on how language shapes societies, opens minds, and inspires ideas.
Celebrating in the Classroom: Fun and Learning Combined
Engaging students through creative and educational activities can make English Language Day both fun and impactful. Here are some ideas:
• Shakespeare Performances: Have students perform monologues or scenes from Shakespearean plays.
• Word Games: Use games like Scrabble, Boggle, or vocabulary bees to promote word knowledge.
• Creative Writing Contests: Host poetry or short story writing competitions to spark imagination.
• Literary Exhibits: Create displays highlighting classic and modern English authors and their works.
These activities help students enhance their communication skills and deepen their appreciation for the beauty of the English language.
Language as a Lifelong Companion
As Lily Roy, Principal of Shree Balaji International School, Navi Mumbai, aptly says, 'Language shapes thought, and the ability to use English well empowers students to shape their own narratives. It strengthens academic rigor, fosters self-belief, and becomes a lifelong companion.'
Her words capture the essence of why English matters—not just in classrooms but in every aspect of life.
English Language Day reminds us of the power of words. It's a celebration of diversity, creativity, and global unity through language. Whether through literature, conversation, or education, English continues to be a vital thread that connects people around the world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
BTS' Jungkook targeted in house break-in attempt just day after his discharge; Chinese 'fan' arrested
Fan – a term used to describe people who typically admire or enjoy a person or form of art—whether it's music, dance, or other creative expressions. But sometimes, admiration crosses the line into obsession. In South Korea, such extreme fans are known as "sasaeng fans"—a term that sadly fits the recent incident involving globally renowned BTS member, Jungkook. Shockingly, the incident took place on June 11—the very day Jungkook was discharged from the South Korean military after completing his mandatory service. A Chinese woman in her 30s was arrested for attempting to break into the Seoul home of the BTS maknae, just hours after his return to civilian life. What is a "sasaeng fan"? Sasaeng, or sasaeng fan, is a South Korean term used to describe obsessive fans who cross personal boundaries and invade the privacy of K-pop idols, actors, and other celebrities. These fans are often linked to extreme behaviors, with stalking being one of the most notorious. Chinese 'fan' arrested trying to enter Jungkook's home According to Yongsan police, the woman was caught attempting to enter the front door passcode multiple times around 11:20 PM, after officers responded to a neighbour's alarm. The "fan" reportedly told authorities that she had come to Korea specifically to see Jungkook, who had just been discharged as a sergeant from the 5th Artillery Brigade on June 11. Police are continuing their investigation to determine her motives and whether this was a random intrusion or part of more serious stalking behavior. Jungkook's warning to sasaeng fans Even before his military enlistment, Jungkook had dealt with similar issues involving sasaeng fans. During one such incident, while he was walking near his home, he went live and voiced his frustration, saying, 'Even now, there are sasaengs in front of my house. Don't come, you b*stards. Don't cross the line, you b*stards." His blunt message highlighted just how invasive and distressing such behavior can be for public figures. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Tied to chairs, Sex jokes ...: Three former top executives of video game giant Ubisoft face sexual harassment charges
Three former Ubisoft executives are on trial in France for allegations of bullying and sexual harassment, with a French court hearing disturbing accounts from former employees, predominantly women, about a toxic workplace culture at the gaming giant's Paris headquarters during the 2010s, according to The Guardian. The accusations, reportedly described as 'extremely serious' by prosecutor Antoine Haushalter, include incidents of employees being tied to chairs, forced to perform handstands, subjected to sexual jokes, exposed to pornographic videos in the office, and enduring crude behavior, such as a boss farting in employees' faces. One woman reported a manager drawing a penis on her arm during a video call with senior leaders. The court case marks the gaming industry's first major #MeToo trial. Who are the accused executives The accused include Tommy Francois, 52, former Vice President of Editorial & Creative Services; Serge Hascoet, 59, former Chief Creative Officer; and Guillaume Patrux, 41, former Game Director. Ubisoft, known for blockbuster titles like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance, was allegedly a 'Boys' Club' where such misconduct thrived, per The Guardian. Francois faces charges of sexual harassment, bullying, and attempted sexual assault. The Guardian reported that he allegedly tied a female employee to a chair before sending her in an elevator to a random floor and forced a woman in a skirt to do handstands, leaving her terrified. At a 2015 office party, he reportedly attempted to kiss a woman while others restrained her; she escaped after shouting. Another woman accused Francois of grabbing her hair and attempting a forced kiss at a U.S. gaming event, showing her nude photos, and drawing on her arm during a video call. Ubisoft's HR allegedly dismissed her concerns, advising her not to escalate. Francois denies all allegations. Hascoet is accused of bullying and sexual harassment, including making inappropriate sexual comments, such as telling a woman on a work trip she 'needed sex' in front of colleagues, and joking that a used tissue he handed to a female employee was 'worth gold at Ubisoft,' per The Guardian. He allegedly made sexual noises, forced assistants to run personal errands, and denies any intent to harass. Patrux faces similar charges, accused of punching walls, pretending to strike employees, cracking a whip near faces, joking about an office shooting, and burning an employee's beard with a lighter, according to The Guardian. He also denies the allegations. Verdict on July 2, what proscecutors want Haushalter called the trial a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, amplified by the #MeToo movement, which empowered victims to speak out. He highlighted 'strong proof' of systemic mistreatment and requested suspended prison sentences of up to three years and fines for the trio. The court concluded hearings, with a verdict expected on July 2, 2025. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Ex-Ubisoft execs on trial in France for workplace harassment, including bizarre claims of farting at staff
Who are the accused? Live Events FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Three ex-bosses from Ubisoft are on trial in France for bullying and sexual harassment. The French court heard shocking stories from former staff, mostly women, about the bad behavior of these top bosses. Some of the disturbing things they faced, being tied to chairs, forced to do handstands, sex jokes, drawings of private parts stuck on computers, porn videos played in the office, and a boss who farted in their faces, according to the report by The woman said a manager even drew a penis on her arm during a video call with top leaders. The prosecutor Antoine Haushalter said this trial is a big moment for the video game world, and the #MeToo movement helped people finally speak up. He said there was a lot of strong proof that the bosses were mean and treated workers video game major Ubisoft, the force behind addictive games like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance, was allegedly witnessing these incidents during the decade of 2010s at their HQs in Paris, with ex- employees labelling it a 'boys club'.Tommy Francois, 52, Former VP of Editorial & Creative Services is accused of sexual harassment, bullying, and attempted sexual assault. He once pushed a female employee into a lift after tying her to a chair before pushing the buttons of the lift to send her to a random floor. He made a woman in a skirt do handstands. She said she was scared and just wanted him to leave, as per the report by The a 2015 office party, he tried to kiss a woman while two others held her back. She shouted and escaped. Another woman leveled allegations of hair grabbing before a forced kiss at a gaming event in the US against Francois. HR told her not to make a big deal. She also said he showed her nude pics of himself, and once drew on her arm during a video call. Francois denied all the charges, as per Hascoet, 59, Former Chief Creative Officer was accused of bullying and sexual harassment. On a work trip, he said a woman needed sex and joked about doing it in front of everyone. A report by The Guardian claimed that while giving a used tissue to a young woman, he claimed that 'It's worth gold at Ubisoft'.He made weird sex sounds, joked about sex, and made assistants run personal errands like waiting for parcels at his house. Hascoet also denied all the charges and said he never meant to harass Patrux, 41, Former Game Director was accused of sexual harassment and bullying. He punched walls, pretended to hit people, cracked a whip near faces, joked about an office shooting, and even burned someone's beard with a lighter. He also denied all the charges, as per the report by The judges have now finished listening to everyone and will give their final decision later. This is the first major trial in the gaming industry after #MeToo. The prosecutor said sexism and abuse were hidden in this world, but now people are brave enough to speak up, as per are accused of bullying, sexual harassment, and bad behavior at is the first big #MeToo case in the gaming industry and shows people are speaking up now.
