Issue 281 - World Book Day: Celebrating literature and culture

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Vocabulary: Book vocabulary

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World Book Day: Celebrating literature and culture

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World Book Day: Celebrating literature and culture

World Book Day is celebrated every year on the 23rd of April. It is celebrated in many different countries to promote the love of reading, publishing, and protecting intellectual property rights.

The date of April 23rd is a special day in the history of literature. It is the day that well-known authors William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes died, in 1616. Also, on this day other writers were born or died, such as Maurice Druon, K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla, or Manuel Mejía Vallejo. To respect their contributions to literature, UNESCO established World Book Day on April 23rd in 1995.

World Book Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries. Each country has its own customs and traditions. In the United Kingdom and Ireland book tokens are given to children to help them explore the world of literature. In Spain people exchange books as gifts and in Catalonia this day coincides with the day of the patron saint of Catalonia, Sant Jordi.

In many countries there are public readings, book fairs, and cultural events to promote reading and books. This day brings together authors, publishers, and readers. It is a time to appreciate the importance of storytelling and the importance that books have on individuals and societies.

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World Book Day: Celebrating literature and culture

Listen to the podcast and read. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

World Book Day: Celebrating literature and culture

World Book Day, celebrated annually in most countries on April 23rd, is a global event to promote the love of reading, publishing, and protecting intellectual property rights.

The date of April 23rd is a special day in the history of literature. It is the day that well-known authors William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes died in 1616. Also, on this same day other eminent writers were born or died, such as Maurice Druon, K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla, or Manuel Mejía Vallejo. In homage to their contributions to literature, UNESCO established World Book Day on April 23rd in 1995.

World Book Day is celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide, each with its own customs and traditions. In the United Kingdom and Ireland book tokens are given to children, encouraging them to explore the world of literature. In Spain, it is common for people to exchange books as gifts, promoting a culture of reading and intellectual exchange, and particularly in Catalonia where the day coincides with the day of the patron saint of Catalonia, Sant Jordi. In countries like Mexico and Colombia, public readings, book fairs, and cultural events are organised to promote literacy and appreciation for books.

On World Book Day, people celebrate literature in many ways; from organising book fairs and literary festivals, to hosting reading marathons and author signings , the day is filled with events that bring together authors, publishers, and readers. It is a time to reflect on the power of storytelling and the profound impact that books have on individuals and societies.

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World Book Day: Celebrating literature and culture

Listen to the podcast and read. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

World Book Day: Celebrating literature and culture

World Book Day, celebrated annually in most countries on April 23rd, is a global event dedicated to promoting the love of reading, publishing, and protecting intellectual property rights. Its origins trace back to various cultural and historical influences, making it a significant observance worldwide.

The date of April 23rd holds special significance in literary history. It marks the death anniversary of renowned authors William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, both of whom passed away on this day in 1616. Also, on the 23rd of April other eminent writers were born or died, such as Maurice Druon, K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla, or Manuel Mejía Vallejo. In homage to their contributions to literature, UNESCO established World Book Day on April 23rd in 1995, aiming to encourage reading, publishing, and copyright protection.

World Book Day is celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide, each with its own customs and traditions. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is marked by the distribution of book tokens to children, encouraging them to explore the world of literature. In Spain, it is common for people to exchange books as gifts, fostering a culture of reading and intellectual exchange, and particularly in Catalonia where the day coincides with the day of the patron saint of Catalonia, Sant Jordi. In countries like Mexico and Colombia, public readings, book fairs, and cultural events are organised to promote literacy and appreciation for books.

The celebration of World Book Day serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it aims to promote reading as a pleasurable and enriching activity, fostering a lifelong love for literature. By encouraging literacy, it contributes to educational development and cultural enrichment. Secondly, it highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, ensuring that authors receive recognition and compensation for their creative works.

On World Book Day, people engage in various activities to celebrate literature. From organising book fairs and literary festivals to hosting reading marathons and author signings, the day is replete with events that bring together authors, publishers, and readers alike. It is a time to reflect on the power of storytelling and the profound impact that books have on individuals and societies.

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