What is Chinese Language Day?

Chinese Language Day is observed annually on April 20 to celebrate the linguistic and cultural contributions of the Chinese language. Established by the United Nations in 2010, this observance promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity while highlighting the significance of Chinese as one of the UN’s six official languages.

The date was chosen to honor Cangjie, a legendary figure credited with inventing Chinese characters. According to myth, when Cangjie created the characters, deities and spirits were so moved that it rained millet from the sky. This day serves as an opportunity to appreciate the richness of the Chinese language, its historical influence, and its role in fostering global communication.

History and origin

Chinese Language Day was established by the United Nations Department of Public Information in 2010 as part of a broader initiative to promote the use of the UN’s official languages. The date, April 20, was chosen to coincide with Guyu, also known as “Rain of Millet,” which is one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. This period is associated with Cangjie, the mythical historian of the Yellow Emperor, who is believed to have created the written Chinese script.

Chinese was recognized as an official UN language in 1946. However, its use was initially limited. This changed in 1971 when the People’s Republic of China gained its seat at the United Nations, increasing the adoption of Chinese in UN meetings and documents. Chinese Language Day now serves as a platform to promote the language’s global significance and encourage its learning worldwide.

Who participates in Chinese Language Day?

• International organizations such as the United Nations and cultural institutions that promote linguistic diversity
• Educational institutions that organize events, workshops, and language learning initiatives
• Cultural organizations and museums that host exhibitions and performances related to Chinese calligraphy, literature, and history
• Students and language enthusiasts who engage in Chinese language study and cultural appreciation activities
• Businesses and professionals who recognize the importance of Mandarin in global commerce and diplomacy

Slogans and themes

Each year, Chinese Language Day features themes that emphasize different aspects of the language and its cultural importance. While the themes may vary, they consistently focus on the beauty, history, and influence of the Chinese language. Common slogans include “Celebrating Chinese Characters,” “Bridging Cultures Through Language,” and “The Beauty of Chinese Calligraphy.” These messages highlight the language’s artistic expression and its role in fostering international understanding.

Colors, symbols, and patterns

Colors

• Red symbolizes good fortune and prosperity, a key aspect of Chinese culture
• Gold represents wealth and success, often associated with traditional Chinese celebrations
• Black signifies elegance and is commonly used in Chinese calligraphy

Symbols

• Chinese characters reflect the language’s deep history and unique writing system
• Brush and ink represent traditional Chinese calligraphy, an art form deeply connected to the language
• Dragon symbolizes power, wisdom, and cultural pride in Chinese traditions

Patterns

• Calligraphic scripts showcase different writing styles, from ancient seal script to modern simplified characters
• Traditional motifs such as clouds, waves, and floral designs reflect the artistic heritage of Chinese culture
• Seal carvings incorporate ancient script forms, often used in historical documents and art pieces

How to observe Chinese Language Day

• Learn basic Chinese phrases and practice Mandarin pronunciation
• Attend cultural events such as calligraphy workshops, Chinese poetry readings, or language lessons
• Explore Chinese literature by reading works from famous Chinese authors and poets
• Try writing Chinese characters using brush and ink or digital calligraphy apps
• Share knowledge about the Chinese language through discussions, social media, or community activities

Most used hashtags

• chineselanguageday
• mandarinlearning
• chinesecalligraphy
• culturaldiversity
• learnchinese

Why is Chinese Language Day important?

Chinese Language Day underscores the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. With over a billion native speakers, Chinese is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Celebrating this day fosters greater appreciation for the language, encourages cross-cultural exchange, and promotes its study worldwide.

The observance also highlights the role of the Chinese language in international diplomacy, education, and global communication. By recognizing its significance, the day encourages more people to engage with and understand one of the world’s oldest and most influential languages.