Chinese Language Day on April 20

UN affiliated organisations hold events to showcase the beauty and rich cultural history of Chinese language

ISLAMABAD: Like other parts of the globe, International Chinese Language Day will be marked on April 20 in Pakistan – the day to highlight contribution of Chinese literature, poetry and language to the world.

The UN and its affiliate organisations hold events that showcase the beauty and rich cultural history of the Chinese language on Chinese Language Day.

Workshops and seminars feature prominent Chinese authors, poets and calligraphers.

Concerts featuring Chinese music, martial arts performances, and calligraphy exhibitions are held around the world.

World Chinese Language Day is not an official holiday and businesses, schools and government offices are open on this day.

The United Nations has 6 official languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Each of them has its own day when the UN and its affiliates use the occasion to promote multiculturalism and cross cultural understanding by showcasing the rich history and literary culture of each language.

The Gregorian calendar date for the UN Chinese Language Day corresponds to Guyu or Rain of Millet in the Chinese calendar.

This day celebrates Cangiie, the ancient historian who is also credited with having invented the Chinese characters.

The first UN Chinese Language Day was held on November 12, 2010. In 2011, the date was moved to April 20.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2018.