Chinese Language Day is celebrated on April 20. Approximately 1.3 billion people speak this language. It is the official language of China and the island of Taiwan.
History
This holiday was established by UNESCO in 2010 to celebrate the Chinese language’s contribution to global culture and communication. Chinese was recognized as one of the official languages of the United Nations. The language is based on ideograms, which were first introduced as a written language in China around 5,000 years ago. Modern Chinese became the state language after the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. In 1974, Chinese gained official status at meetings of the UN Security Council, reflecting the growing importance of China’s international partnerships.
Interesting Facts
This holiday is connected with the language, culture, and traditions of a nation with a rich, centuries-old history. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the traditions of the Celestial Empire!
- The Chinese language unites over 1,500 dialects used by residents of various provinces.
- China is the birthplace of noodles, offering many diverse recipes for noodle dishes.
- Tea first appeared at the Chinese imperial court and then spread globally as an invigorating drink with a rich taste.
- Americans love Chinese cuisine, often ordering food for home delivery. It’s a delicious and convenient dinner option, with spicy dishes and healthy combinations of chicken, noodles, and vegetables. And there’s no need to wash dishes—the takeout boxes can simply be discarded.
Learn simple phrases in Chinese (such as “thank you,” “hello,” “goodbye,” “why is it so cheap,” and “that soup was delicious”). The key is to follow the phonetic rules for intonation, as word meaning and the emotional tone of a phrase depend on it. Consider visiting a restaurant where the chefs are Chinese and know the nuances of national culinary skills. Also, explore Chinese cinema, especially action movies and comedies featuring actors who expertly demonstrate martial arts techniques—it’s both spectacular and exciting!
When is Chinese Language Day in 2025?
Chinese Language Day is observed on April 20 each year.
Observations
Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
Sunday | April | 20 | 2025 |
Monday | April | 20 | 2026 |
Tuesday | April | 20 | 2027 |
Thursday | April | 20 | 2028 |
Friday | April | 20 | 2029 |