Every year on April 23, the United Nations celebrates English Language Day to honor the rich history, global impact, and cultural significance of the English language. Chosen to coincide with both the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, one of the most influential writers in the English language, this day highlights the importance of multilingualism and cultural diversity within the UN. As one of the UN’s six official and two working languages, English plays a vital role in diplomacy, international communication, and fostering global understanding.
What languages do you speak?
Visit our photobooth to show your language abilities
The photobooth will be set up between 22 and 29 April during working hours.
Directions: enter through door 40 (E-Building, 2nd floor). Move to the first floor towards the Serpent Bar. The photobooth is located close to the Cagi cultural kiosk.
Everyone working at or visiting the United Nations Office at Geneva has the opportunity to take a picture showcasing the languages they speak.
Take your colleagues for a group picture and demonstrate the linguistic diversity in your team!
Did you know?
- English is the most widely spoken language in the world when you count both native and second-language speakers — over 1.5 billion people speak it!
- The Oxford English Dictionary lists over 600,000 words, but the average English speaker only uses about 20,000–30,000 words regularly.
- English Language Day is celebrated on April 23rd to honour William Shakespeare, who was born and died on this day and contributed over 1,700 words to the English language.
- Many common phrases like “break the ice,” “wild-goose chase,” and “heart of gold” come directly from Shakespeare's plays!
- English is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, and it's used as a working language in many UN bodies and international meetings.
- The longest word in English without a vowel is “rhythms”, and the longest word in a major dictionary is “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis” — a type of lung disease
- Every year, new words are added to English dictionaries — recent additions include “doomscrolling,” “climate anxiety,” and “hangry.”
Test your knowledge of the English language!
