On the birthday of the genius of Russian literature Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin — the founder of the modern Russian literary language — Russia celebrates a special holiday. This day, dedicated to the greatness of the native word, is also known in the country as Pushkin Day, paying tribute to the poet whose name embodies the very spirit of the Russian language.
The initiative to establish Russian Language Day as one of the six official languages of the United Nations originated in 2010. At that time, the UN Department of Public Information, now the Department of Global Communications, proposed the establishment of this holiday as part of a program aimed at developing multilingualism and preserving cultural diversity. The date chosen for the Russian language was June 6.
In Russia, the official status of this significant holiday was established in 2011 by a decree of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev.
Significance of the holiday:
Russian Language Day aims to be a focal point for efforts to:
- Protect and multiply the Russian language as an invaluable national treasure, which is an integral part of the world's cultural treasury.
- Promote the rich Russian literature and the brilliant works of A. S. Pushkin, which inspire generations.
- Strengthen linguistic diversity and support a cultural and educational space where the word finds freedom for growth and development.
- Cultivate deep respect for the native language, its grammatical subtleties, its rich history, and its unshakable literary traditions.
