European Languages Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The European Day of Languages is annually commemorated on September 26. The primary objective of celebrating this day is to increase intercultural understanding and plurilingualism by informing the public about the benefits of learning a new language and diversifying the languages studied. The second objective of the day is to promote Europe’s rich and diverse linguistic culture, which should be fostered and preserved. Finally, the European Day of Languages aims to promote language acquisition outside of school settings. This day is observed by 47 member nations.

The background of European Languages Day

The year 2001 was designated as ‘The European Year of Languages.’ It was coordinated by the European Union and the Council of Europe. It was a tremendous success and involved millions of individuals in 45 countries. It produced events that highlighted and celebrated the linguistic diversity of Europe and promoted language acquisition.

Due to the success of The European Year of Languages, the Council of Europe declared September 26 to be the annual European Day of Languages. The European Day of Languages celebrated its tenth anniversary on September 26, 2011. It was celebrated throughout the 47 member nations of the Council of Europe. This event is open to the general public and to policymakers. The Council of Europe hopes that it will encourage policymakers to adopt, for instance, specific measures or to lead additional discussions on language policy issues. They seek to raise public awareness of the day’s overall objectives, which include the significance of “lifelong language learning, beginning at any age in educational institutions or at work.”

It is estimated that at least half of the world’s languages will become extinct in this century. All traces of a language could vanish within two generations if it is no longer taught to children. There are numerous reasons for abandoning a language, such as the annihilation of a community or its habitat, hostility from political groups, and economic and cultural dominance by more dominant languages.

All European citizens exist in a multilingual environment in the 21st century. There is a need to increase knowledge, curiosity, interest, understanding, and tolerance of diverse languages in Europe due to the high frequency with which they are encountered.

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DAY OF EUROPEAN LANGUAGES ACTIVITIES

Acquire a second language

The ideal method to recognize the diversity of European languages is to study a new one. You can accomplish this by enrolling in an online course or attending a language summer program.

Observe the holiday on social media.

Social media posts about the day are a great method to raise awareness. Use the hashtag #EuropeanDayofLanguages to speak about this topic on social media.

Install and utilize a language learning application

Download the Secret Agent Languages Challenges app for an entertaining way to learn a new language. You can participate in quizzes and enjoyable duties and challenges.

5 essential facts about languages

More than 200 fictitious languages have been developed for literature and film.

Russian is the most widely spoken language in Europe.

UNESCO estimates that 6,000 languages spoken in 43% of the globe are in danger of extinction.

Europe is home to three major language families: Germanic, Slavic, and Romance.

Europe is home to approximately 225 indigenous languages, or roughly 3 percent of the world’s total.

EUROPEAN LANGUAGES DAY DATES