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News: Today is the United Nations’ English Language Day

Please note: This news story may contain information that is no longer current or up to date.
Two ESOL learners talking together
Two ESOL learners talking together

The United Nations dedicates a special day each year for all of its six official languages - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish - to celebrate multilingualism as well as to promote cultural diversity and encourage the use of all languages.

Today, 23rd April, marks English Language Day, which aims to raise awareness of the culture, history and achievements associated with the English Language. It also coincides with iconic English Playwright, William Shakespeare’s birthday.

Did you know?

English is ranked the third most widely spoken language worldwide, with around 400 million people speaking it as their first language? It’s also the most common second language in the world.

A few fun facts about the English Language that you may not know

Multiple hands holding up letters spelling the word English
  • You can use all 26 letters of the alphabet in a sentence, ​‘the quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog.’
  • Hundreds of new words are added to the English dictionary each year, including ​‘chillax’, ​‘simples’, ​‘whatevs’ and ​‘Jedi’ in 2020.
  • Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is the longest word in the English dictionary, meaning a type of lung disease caused by inhaling very fine dust and ash. 
  • Some English words exist only in plural form. For example: Glasses (spectacles), Binoculars, Scissors, Jeans, Pyjamas.

Our English Language courses

We have a variety of English Language courses to suit people of all abilities. These range from pre-entry level supported learning courses, through to entry level Functional Skills, GCSE and A Level. You could even progress to a Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production Journalism or Digital Journalism. 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

If you’re aged 16 – 18 and English isn’t your first language, an ESOL course could really help boost your confidence and improve your English Language skills. Find out more: nottm​.co/ESOL

Find out more about ESOL
Published on:
  • 23rd April 2021 (10:17 AM)
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