English Language Day is celebrated on 23 April every year to mark the importance of the English language as a global language. This date was chosen as it is believed to be the birthday of William Shakespeare, one of the most famous playwrights in English literature, and also the anniversary of his death.
William Shakespeare's contribution to the English language cannot be overstated. He wrote 38 plays and over 150 sonnets that continue to be studied and performed all over the world. His works have influenced the English language to a great extent, adding new words and expressions to the language that are still used today.
For example, Shakespeare introduced many common phrases to the English language, such as "all's well that ends well," "break the ice," "budge an inch," "foul play," "foregone conclusion," and "in a pickle." He also created many new words by using existing words in new ways, such as "eyeball," "manager," "skim milk," and "swagger."
Moreover, Shakespeare's plays helped to establish the grammatical rules of the English language. His works were written during the early modern period, a time when the English language was still evolving and did not have a standardized grammar. Shakespeare's plays helped to establish the rules of grammar and syntax that are still used in the English language today.
In addition to Shakespeare's influence, the English language has spread across the globe due to the expansion of the British Empire and the emergence of the United States as a global superpower. Today, English is spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide and is the most widely used language in international business, science, and diplomacy.
English Language Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of the English language and its global impact. It is a reminder of the importance of learning and mastering the language to be able to communicate effectively in a globalized world.
