20th April: Chinese Language Day

Chinese Language Days at the United Nations seek to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization. Under the initiative, UN duty stations around the world celebrate six separate days, each dedicated to one of the Organization’s six official languages.

Through the development of language, the human race made advancements in culture and civilization. On April 20, explore the progress the written and spoken word has made through the observance of Chinese Language Day.

Language plays a dynamic role in our culture, history and marks our achievements. At 6,000 years old, the Chinese language is the oldest written language in the world.

The United Nations selected April 20 for Chinese Language Day as the date commemorates Gu Yu (or “Grain Rain”) one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese culture. During this period, rain brings the rapid growth of grain. It also honors the Chinese ancestor, Cang Jie, who is credited with creating the beautifully written Chinese language.