Happy European Day of Languages
What is the European Day of Languages?
Every 26th September, Europe celebrates its annual European Day of Languages. It is a day to celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, and to encourage people to learn more about languages and the cultures of different countries. The day was first established by the Council of Europe in 2001, and it is now celebrated in countries all across Europe and beyond. The Council of Europe's 46 member states, respect for others’ languages, cultures and identities is a precondition for creating a European space for mutual respect and cooperation in Europe.
Minister Antonio Miloshoski, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.He stressed that:
“Linguistic intolerance and insecurity are best countered through language learning and intercultural understanding, or 'compréhension' in French, or 'skilningur' in Icelandic, or 'mõistmine' in Estonian, or 'tuiscint' in Irish, or 'zrozumienie' in Polish or 'razbiranje' in Macedonian.”
On the European Day of Languages, people can participate in a variety of activities to celebrate linguistic diversity and learn more about different languages. These might include language classes, language exchange programs, language-themed events and festivals, and more. The day is also a time to recognize the important role that language learning plays in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among people of different cultures.
Why do we need a European Day of Languages?
While many people agree that everyone should be able to speak another language, in many countries in Europe only about half can converse in a language other than their own. There have never been more opportunities to work or study in a different European country - but lack of language competence prevents many people from taking advantage of them. This lack of language competence can act as a barrier to travel, to working and studying abroad and intercultural understanding. Globalisation and patterns of business ownership mean that citizens increasingly need foreign language skills to work effectively within their own countries.
Europe is rich in languages - there are over 200 European languages and many more spoken by citizens whose family origin is from other continents. This is an important resource to be recognised, cultivated, used and cherished. Language learning brings benefits to young and old - you are never too old to learn a language and to enjoy the opportunities it opens up. Learning other peoples' languages is a way of helping us to understand each other better and overcome our cultural differences.
What are the aims of the European Day of Languages?
The day is dedicated to promoting the benefits of language learning and exploring the many languages spoken throughout Europe, and there are three key aims of the day:
To alert the public to the importance of language learning and boost the range of languages learnt
To promote the linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe
To encourage language learning in and out of school for a range of reasons, whether it’s for professional use, for mobility, for opening new job prospects, for travel or for leisure.
Around 800 million people live in Europe, and are encouraged to participate in the European Day of Languages by taking part in activities designed to celebrate linguistic diversity and learn new languages. For example, the day might remind schools that while they offer certain languages to their students, there will be many languages that children will not have access to that they may want to learn, which may encourage them to put on taster sessions or expand the range of languages on offer.
As Ólöf Ólafsdóttir, former Director of the Directorate of Democratic Citizenship and Participation for the Council of Europe, said in a 2013 statement:
“… the Day is a reminder of the many benefits of language learning, not least to further develop cognitive competences, break down cultural barriers and open the door to new friendships and professional opportunities.”
Of course, at Language Advantage, we fully support the idea of a day promoting language learning and cultural appreciation. Languages are a resource and a way to get more out of life. We should embrace this by giving ourselves the pleasure of language learning to open up a whole new world of opportunities.
Find out more about the European Day of Languages>>
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