World Kiswahili Language Day, celebrated on 7 July each year, honours Kiswahili as one of the most widely spoken African languages, with over 200 million speakers. It is a vital tool of communication and integration across East, Central, and Southern Africa. More than just a means of communication, Kiswahili is a carrier of identity, values, and a worldview, representing the rich cultural tapestry of the African continent. From its role in liberation movements to its modern use in education, diplomacy, and media, Kiswahili continues to foster regional cohesion and global cultural understanding.
Language
According to UNESCO, there are approximately 8,324 known languages globally, but only around 7,000 are still in use today. Alarmingly, a language disappears every two weeks, often without leaving a trace in education systems, digital platforms, or public discourse. When a language vanishes, we lose unique perspectives, traditional knowledge systems, and creative expressions shaped over generations. Kiswahili, with its rich linguistic history and multicultural evolution, is a critical piece of this puzzle. By preserving and promoting Kiswahili, we ensure the survival of one of the most widely spoken African languages that also acts as a bridge between diverse communities.
We celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday, his profound influence on English and this year - how AI expands linguistic creativity.
Join the fun with a to test your knowledge of English words and phrases!
Join in celebrating linguistic diversity with the launch of the Hawaiian edition of , supporting the .
report provides guidance on implementing multilingual education policies to overcome language barriers and support inclusive education for all learners.
On's 25th anniversary, UNESCO and Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke’elikÅlani College celebrate Hawaiian language revitalization, highlighting the "" project’s cultural and educational impact.
"Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t." Polonius utters these words as an aside, after Hamlet delivers a near-nonsense speech. April 23rd is the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare, the English language's most famous playwright. It is also the day we celebrate English Language Day at the United Nations. Join us at 9:30 a.m. (EST) as the UN movie society presents a virtual event "Shakespeare at the UN". And, if you are up for some word-trickery, ! Test your knowledge of the English language!
Multilingual education policies, highlighted by this year's International Mother Language Day (21 February) are crucial for inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages. Research underscores the benefits of using learners' native languages in education, fostering better learning outcomes and self-esteem. Multilingual education not only promotes inclusive societies, but also aids in preserving non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages. It is a cornerstone for achieving equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals.
Globally, 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. A multilingual education starts based on the mother tongue and gradually introduces other languages. This approach bridges the gap between home and school for those whose mother tongue is different from the language of instruction. recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion and the SDG focus of leaving no one behind. This year’s observance will explore and debate the potential of multilingualism to transform education.
interviews Lama Azab, a French and Arabic interpreter at UN headquarters in New York since 2016. Impartiality and the ability to adapt are essential qualities for this demanding job.
International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind. The year’s theme, “Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities,†raises the potential role of technology to advance multilingual education and support the development of quality teaching and learning for all. Technology can accelerate efforts towards ensuring equitable and inclusive lifelong learning opportunities for all, when guided by inclusion and equity.
Held every year on 21 March, World Poetry Day celebrates one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity. Practiced throughout history – in every culture and on every continent – poetry speaks to our common humanity and our shared values, transforming the simplest of poems into a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace. The observance is also meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry supporting linguistic diversity and offering endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.
International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the . believes education, based on the first language or mother tongue, must begin from the early years as early childhood care and education is the foundation of learning. This year’s observance is a call on policymakers, educators and teachers, parents and families to scale up their commitment to multilingual education, and inclusion in education to advance education recovery in the context of COVID-19.
“Even if I’m far away, I can make my message heard.â€
WIPO Translate is a market-leading translation software for specialized text. Once trained in a specific subject area, it has been shown to out-perform other paid and free translation tools.