Mark September 26 for the European Day of Languages! Discover its origins, objectives, and events that highlight linguistic diversity and foster peace.
On September 26, we celebrate the European Day of Languages (EDL). The Council of Europe established this initiative to protect Europe’s linguistic heritage.
Representing 700 million Europeans across 46 member states, the Councilencourages people of all ages to explore and embrace new languages—whether as part of their education or through lifelong learning. The EDL is a powerful reminder of how languages foster unity, peace, and intercultural dialogue across Europe.
European Day of Languages: The Origins
The European Day of Languages is a key part of the Language Policy Programme of the Council of Europe. Although much of the program targets education authorities and language practitioners, the EDL is a public-facing initiative.
The idea was first proposed at the 1997 conference on Language Learning for a New Europe, where key concepts like plurilingualism and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) were introduced. The goal was to encourage lifelong language learning across Europe.
In the words of the Council’s Secretary General and the European Commissioner for Education and Culture, “Learning languages helps to develop tolerance and understanding between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.”
The first European Day of Languages took place on 26 September 2001 as part of the European Year of Languages. Its success led the Council of Europe to make it an annual event.
Europe’s Language Tree
Europe’s linguistic diversity is often visualized as a language tree, with languages grouped into families sharing roots. This includes major branches like Romance (e.g., French, Spanish) and Germanic languages (e.g., English, German), as well as lesser-known regional and minority tongues.
Objectives of the European Day of Language
Since its launch, the EDL has worked toward several key objectives:
- Celebrating linguistic diversity across Europe, from widely spoken languages to those less taught or used.
- Improving awareness of Europe’s linguistic heritage and promoting openness toward different cultures.
- Inspiring Europeans to gain proficiency in multiple languages.
- Fostering lifelong language learning as a means of personal growth.
- Promoting translation, interpretation, and other language-related professions.
The 2024 theme, Languages for Peace, emphasizes the role of languages in bridging cultural divides and fostering dialogue.
National Relays: Promoting the European Day of Languages
National Relays spread the word about the European Day of Languages. They translate updates and promotional materials into national and local languages, ensuring that EDL information reaches a broad audience. They also handle local promotion and organize events to celebrate the days
Working as volunteers, EDL Relays dedicate their time and effort to making the EDL a truly European event.
Initiatives to Celebrate Linguistic Diversity
Through September, various events will take place across EU countries, including multilingual language courses, translation workshops, and online quizzes.
Here are some highlights:
- “Languages for Peace” poster competition.
Participants create posters that reflect how languages foster peace and understanding. Winning designs will be featured on the EDL website and in an exhibition at the European Centre for Modern Languages
- “Most Difficult Word/Letter to Pronounce” challenge.
Every language has its tongue-twisters. Whether it’s the Polish word Następstw or the long German number Fünfhundertfünfundfünfzig, this challenge is about sharing those tricky words or sounds that trip us up in different European languages.
This initiative celebrates the beauty and complexity of language with a touch of humor.
- Poll: Best advice for new language learners.
The EDL gathers practical advice from experienced learners to help newcomers overcome challenges and enjoy their language-learning journey.
Some suggestions include:
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- Set clear goals: Break learning tasks into manageable chunks.
- Immerse yourself: Use books, podcasts, movies, and travel to practice.
- Use technology: Take advantage of apps, AI tools, and online resources.
- Engage with native speakers: Practice in real-world settings to gain confidence.
- Stay motivated: Celebrate small wins and join communities of fellow learners.
- Q&A session: “Questions you never dared to ask about languages”.
One special feature of the EDL is the chance to ask questions you’ve always had about languages. Experts will shed light on language learning and offer valuable insights.
Some of the questions explored include:
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- Do I need grammar to learn a language?
- Are there European languages in danger of dying out?
- How easy is it to reach A1 level and how long does it take to reach C2?
Conclusion
The European Day of Languages invites us to embrace linguistic diversity and foster peace through language learning. Whether you’re a seasoned polyglot or starting your linguistic journey, let’s use this day to remember that every language learned brings us one step closer to a more united and harmonious world.
Of course, we understand that mastering every language in the world is a bit of a tall order. That’s where Language Service Providers (LSPs) come in—helping you bridge the gap when you just can’t find the right words!
