Celebrating Language, Powering Global Connection
Language is more than a method of communication—it’s how we share ideas, build relationships, and grow businesses across borders. Language has the power to connect the world, and TransPerfect is proud to support our clients in navigating global conversations every day.
This April, the United Nations invites the world to pause and recognize the value of linguistic and cultural diversity through three dedicated language days:
- Chinese Language Day on April 20
- English Language Day on April 23
- Spanish Language Day on April 23
Each day is more than just a nod to the past—it’s a celebration of how these languages continue to shape commerce, culture, and communication on a global scale.
These languages are not only central to TransPerfect’s work—they reflect the core of our mission: enabling companies to operate seamlessly across borders. Let’s take a closer look at stories connected to these three languages and how we help businesses speak them with confidence.
Chinese Language Day
Chinese Language Day was established by the United Nations to honor Cangjie, a mythical figure credited with inventing Chinese characters. Legend has it that when Cangjie created the writing system, the gods and ghosts cried, and the sky rained millet, a poetic symbol of the profound impact language has on human civilization. This day serves as a celebration of the language’s deep cultural roots and its ongoing influence around the world.
Today, Mandarin Chinese is spoken by more than 1.3 billion people, making it the most spoken language in the world. But beyond its reach in terms of population, China plays a vital role in global commerce, international diplomacy, e-commerce, and emerging technologies. Understanding the nuances of Chinese—its characters, tones, idioms, and regional dialects—is key to building authentic, successful connections in the Chinese-speaking world.
English Language Day
April 23 was chosen to honor the birthday (and death day) of William Shakespeare, a man whose contributions to the English language are unmatched. From coining over 1,700 words to reshaping modern storytelling, English Language Day honors this linguistic legacy while recognizing the role of English in connecting people across cultures, industries, and continents.
Today, English is spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide, making it the most commonly studied second language. It is the lingua franca of international business, science, aviation, diplomacy, and the internet. Whether you’re launching a product in London, attending a tech conference in Singapore, or managing a global supply chain, English serves as a critical bridge for communication.
Spanish Language Day
Also celebrated on April 23, Spanish Language Day pays tribute to Miguel de Cervantes, the literary giant behind Don Quixote. His work is considered one of the greatest literary contributions to the Spanish language, and his passing on this date is commemorated by language lovers around the world. On this day, schools, libraries, and cultural institutions often host readings, plays, and discussions that celebrate the richness and history of Spanish.
Spoken by over 500 million people across more than 20 countries, Spanish is the second-most-spoken native language globally. From media and entertainment to international business and education, the demand for high-quality Spanish-language content continues to grow. Each region brings its own flavor—from the formal tone of Castilian Spanish to the vibrant expressions of Latin American dialects—making linguistic and cultural expertise essential for success.
A Smarter Way to Go Global: GlobalLink Technology
While these three languages are central to many businesses, they’re often just the start. Managing multilingual content across global teams and markets can be complex, but TransPerfect’s GlobalLink simplifies the entire process.
With this unified platform, companies can:
- Automate translation workflows
- Centralize terminology and glossaries
- Track project progress in real time
- Reduce time-to-market and overall costs
- Maintain consistency across every language and region
Whether you’re launching a product in Asia, onboarding staff in South America, or communicating with stakeholders in Europe, GlobalLink gives you the tools to scale—without sacrificing quality.
It’s not about removing the human element—it’s about empowering translators with technology that makes their work smarter, faster, and more effective.
From Celebration to Connection
These upcoming language days remind us that language is more than a tool—it’s a bridge connecting ideas, people, and places. At TransPerfect, we’re proud to support that connection every day. Whether you’re working in Chinese, English, Spanish, or any number of other languages, we help businesses communicate confidently and effectively in any market.
Want to see how GlobalLink can support your multilingual strategy? Request a demo today!