Celebrating English as a Shared Language
On 23 April, East Sussex College in Hastings hosted a special event marking both International English Day and St George’s Day, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds.
The event welcomed native English speakers, college students, and learners of English as a Second Language (ESL), representing a wide range of proficiency levels – from beginners to advanced. Teachers, lecturers and members of the local community also attended, creating a truly inclusive and dynamic environment.
The date itself carries a double significance because 23 April is celebrated both as St George’s Day and International English Day, the latter established by the United Nations in 2010 to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. The date was chosen in honour of William Shakespeare, who is traditionally believed to have been both born and died on or around this day.
Speaking at the event, Otto Haas, Head of Curriculum for ESOL & International at East Sussex College Hastings highlighted the lasting influence of Shakespeare on the English language. He noted that Shakespeare is credited with introducing or popularising many words and phrases still widely used today, including gossip, lonely, bedroom, and fashionable.
The Mayor of Hastings, Cllr Becca Horn, addressed the audience and highlighted the importance of the English language in connecting people and communities.
“English is such an inclusive language with a rich history,” she said. “Shakespeare has always been a passion of mine – I studied drama and even had the chance to perform on stage in Stratford-upon-Avon, which was an unforgettable experience.”
The centrepiece of the event was a live dictation led by professional actor Laurence Temple, inviting participants of every level to write the same text simultaneously.
With Laurie’s clear, expressive delivery facilitating the dictation, the format fostered a strong sense of unity – bringing people together through a shared experience of language, without the pressure of formal assessment.
The text was published the following day on the AUGB social media pages, giving participants the opportunity to review their work independently, with a prize awarded to the most accurate entry.
The organiser of the event was Khrystyna Mashchenska, Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Hastings & Rother Branch. She emphasised that the dictation activity was not about perfection, but about participation – and about creating a shared space where language becomes a point of connection rather than a barrier.
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