In 1995, The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared April 23rd World Book & Copyright Day to promote reading and celebrate writers, publishers, and booksellers. You may be surprised to learn that its origins date all the way back to 1920s in Catalonia, Spain, where it was dreamed up by Vicente Clavel Andres as a day to honor famed Don Quixote author, Miguel de Cervantes. Today, it is celebrated by over 100 countries worldwide!
“Books are a form of cultural expression that lives through and as part of a chosen language. Each publication is created in a distinct language and is intended for a language-specific reading audience. A book is thus written, produced, exchanged, used and appreciated in a given linguistic and cultural setting. This year we highlight this important dimension because 2019 marks the International Year of Indigenous Languages, led by UNESCO, to reaffirm the commitment of the international community in supporting indigenous peoples to preserve their cultures, knowledge and rights” – UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay
If you love reading as much as we do, be sure to take a look at our Summer Semester literature courses!
The Short Story: Coming of Age
Happy World Book Day!