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European Day of Languages

Celebrate the diversity and beauty of languages on European Day of Languages! Join in events, learn new phrases, and embrace different cultures.
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When it is?
September 26
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Country
United Kingdom
Introduction

Get ready to celebrate linguistic diversity and cultural exchange on the European Day of Languages, which falls on September 26 every year! This holiday was established in 2001 by the Council of Europe and is celebrated in over 45 countries. It aims to promote language learning and highlight the importance of multilingualism in Europe. Did you know that there are over 200 indigenous languages spoken in Europe? This day is a great opportunity to learn about different languages and cultures, whether it's through trying out new words or phrases, attending language events, or simply appreciating the beauty of diversity. Let's celebrate the power of language together!

History of European Day of Languages

European Day of Languages Dates

European Day of Languages Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1957</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>European Economic Community</div><div class='timeline-text'>The European Economic Community was established, fostering increased cooperation and integration among European nations, which indirectly highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Maastricht Treaty</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Maastricht Treaty was signed, resulting in the European Union, further emphasizing the importance of multilingual communication in Europe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First European Day of Languages</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Council of Europe declared September 26 as the European Day of Languages to celebrate linguistic diversity and promote language learning.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Year of Equal Opportunities</div><div class='timeline-text'>The EU designated 2007 as the Year of Equal Opportunities for All, reinforcing the value of all languages spoken within member states.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebrating with 800 Events</div><div class='timeline-text'>Around 800 different events were organized across Europe to celebrate the European Day of Languages.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate European Day of Languages

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn a new language</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take this opportunity to learn a new European language. You can sign up for a language course or download a language learning app to help you get started.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a language exchange event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join a language exchange event or club where you can practice speaking with native speakers and learn more about their culture and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a European-themed dinner party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over for a European-themed dinner party where each guest brings a dish from a different European country. This is a great way to try new foods and celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures in Europe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch foreign films</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Expand your knowledge of European languages and cultures by watching foreign films. You can choose to watch with subtitles or challenge yourself by trying to understand without them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a language learning scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make a scavenger hunt that incorporates different European languages. This is a fun and interactive way to learn while also exploring your city or town.</p></div></div>

Why European Day of Languages is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes cultural understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The European Day of Languages celebrates the linguistic diversity of Europe and encourages individuals to learn more about different cultures and languages. By promoting understanding and appreciation for other languages, the day helps to bridge cultural gaps and foster a more inclusive society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages language learning</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With over 200 languages spoken in Europe, the European Day of Languages is a great opportunity to encourage people to learn a new language. Learning a new language not only expands one's communication skills, but also opens up new job opportunities and helps to keep the brain active and healthy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The European Union is made up of diverse countries with unique languages, cultures, and traditions. The European Day of Languages celebrates this diversity and promotes acceptance and respect for all languages and cultures. It is a reminder that despite our differences, we are all part of one community.</p></div></div>

5 Intriguing Facts for European Day of Languages

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are 24 Official Languages in the European Union</h3><p class='facts-content'>The EU recognizes 24 official languages. This policy promotes multilingualism to ensure that every EU citizen can communicate with the EU in their own language.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Most Europeans are Bilingual</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to reports, more than half of the people in Europe can speak at least two languages, and many can speak three or more, making Europe a highly multilingual continent.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Language Hopping" is a Popular Event on European Day of Languages</h3><p class='facts-content'>Some cities in Europe organize "language hopping" events during this celebration, where participants visit different language booths to learn basic phrases in various European languages in a fun and interactive way.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some European Languages are Uniquely Local</h3><p class='facts-content'>Some languages like Basque (spoken in parts of Spain and France) and Maltese (official language of Malta) are particularly fascinating as they are not related to any other languages in the world.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Council of Europe Developed the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)</h3><p class='facts-content'>This is an internationally recognized standard used to describe language ability, which spans six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). CEFR encourages language learning and assessment to be goal-oriented and focused on proficiency rather than rote learning.</p></div></div>

European Day of Languages FAQs

When is European Day of Languages?

European Day of Languages is celebrated on September 26 every year. In 2024 European Day of Languages will occur on a Thursday.

European Day of Languages Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Sep 26

Tuesday

2024

Sep 26

Thursday

2025

Sep 26

Friday

2026

Sep 26

Saturday

2027

Sep 26

Sunday

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