51�Թ�

"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 23^rd 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 51�Թ�. 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.”

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.

Building on the legacy of the , UNESCO and the Government of Mexico, and other partners, are organizing a High-level event “” on the margins of the International Congress on Endangered Languages at Risk from 25 to 26 February 2020 in Mexico City. The main objective of the Congress is to establish a constructive dialogue to address the problem of threatened languages, based on experiences in favour of linguistic diversity and linguistic rights.

Linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and more languages disappear. Globally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in mother tongue-based multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life. International Mother Language Day is observed every year on 21 February to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

2019 marked the with 900 events hosted by 77 countries. The message is clear: we must leave no one behind. Our unique experiences create our unique stories. These new steps are crucial for peacebuilding and sustainable development. Our commitment to them will be vital in protecting our cultural and natural heritage worldwide. We invite you to discover the  dedicated to indigenous languages and other stakes of the communities that speak them.

Respect for cultural and linguistic diversity is an essential prerequisite for the promotion of the spirit of openness, equity and dialogue. The UN established International Translation Day, observed every year on 30 September, to pay tribute to the work of language professionals and to remind us all that multilingualism plays an important role in bringing nations together.

This day recognizes the importance of sign languages for achieving the SDGs and fulfilling its core promise: "leaving no one behind."

Despite progress made, literacy challenges persist.