How to Observe #SpanishLanguageDay

Every year on April 23rd, Spanish Language Day celebrates the second most spoken language in the world. It is also a day to honor the most revered writer in Spanish language, Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra. The Spanish Language Day was introduced by the United Nations in 2010. The goal of the observance is to raise awareness of Spanish history, celebrate multilingualism, and cultural diversity. Events and activities are held throughout the world in Spanish speaking regions. At Unquowa we commemorated this day by reading poems in Spanish and sharing interesting facts about Spanish language.

Did you know? – Spanish is considered the most romantic language on earth because of its passionate and sensual sound. -The vowel E is the most used letter in the Spanish language. -There are many words in Spanish that cannot be translated in one word in English. -Many English words have been adapted to Spanish in the 20th century, like futbol, sueter and many more.- 8% of Spanish vocabulary has an arabic origin.

Profesora Espinosa

English Language Day

“A living organism, you aint know?!”

Language is undeniably a mechanism of expression that connects a people and gives expression to the conditions people face. Language Day offered an opportunity to reflect and discover just how impactful English and Spanish language is on a global scale. “The purpose of the UN’s language days is to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization”.

Students shared stories about language and how multilingualism served them well. The late Nelson Mandela said, “without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry or savour their songs.” Long Walk to Freedom 1994

English language has not only facilitated expression, but Black Vernacular has given expression to the experiences of the oppressed and subjugated through various forms. A tremendous way to give life to an abstract concept such as language, Black Vernacular proves that language itself is a living organism.

Mr. Kayumba