it's official:
October 13 is
English Language Day

Amazingly, although English is spoken by some 2 billion people on the planet, there?s never been a day in the calendar when we can truly take note and celebrate its full glory. Now there is. October 13.

On this day, the English Project is coordinating the first ever English Language Day to celebrate what is one of the wonders of the world: the English language.

This date was chosen because of its historic importance. It was on 13 October, 1362 that the Chancellor of England for the first time opened Parliament with a speech in English. In that same Parliament, a Statute of Pleading was approved that permitted members in debate to use English, making it an official language of law and law-making.

Of course, it’s by being able to understand and speak English that we can be full citizens of the UK. So our theme is citizenship and the language of law in its widest sense.To mark the occasion, we’re hosting a number of events: some specific to London and Hampshire and others online for the general public.

But the day is also a chance to get involved. So join in, feed back, put your views across and celebrate with us to mark the first ever official English Language Day in English speaking history.

"Every speaker of English has the right to bring new words or expressions into being, or give new meanings to old ones. I hope the English Project will help many people to realise what a treasure we have in our language."

Philip Pullman, Author and Patron
of English Language Day

"Our language has never been richer, stronger or more diverse. There can be no better time to celebrate its vitality; the English Project is giving us the chance to do just that."

Susie Dent, Countdown Dictionary Expert
and Patron of English Language Day