On 26 September, at the initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, we celebrate the European Day of Languages.
This day was established in 2001 on the occasion of the European Year of Languages to celebrate the linguistic diversity of our continent, with 24 official languages and more than 200 languages spoken, including 60 minority languages.
European citizens are encouraged to learn more languages, at all ages, in the belief that linguistic diversity is a tool for better intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent.
The goals of the day are to raise awareness of the wealth of Europe’s linguistic diversity, which must be preserved and enhanced; to implement multilingualism by diversifying the range of studied languages; and to develop knowledge of two or more languages in order to be able to play a full role as a citizen in Europe.
Numerous initiatives have been organised in all EU Member States by the European Commission’s Representation Offices, such as language courses, games, conversations, conferences and radio programmes.
In Venice on this day, two meetings were organised to reflect on the importance of language learning for the growth of the person as a whole and on the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity as an intangible heritage to be cherished, respected and protected.
