Europe Language Day

26 September 2020
 Celebrated on 26 September, the European Day of
Languages (EDL) is a means of promoting awareness
among the general public of the importance of language
learning and protecting the linguistic heritage.
 When was the 1
language day?
The first European Day of Languages took place on 26
September 2001 and was a flagship event of the
European Year of Languages 2001 campaign organised
jointly with the European Union. Millions of people in
45 member states took part. It was such a success
that in order to satisfy the expectations of many
partners, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of
Europe decided, in late 2001, to make this day an
annual event to be celebrated on 26 September.
The objectives of the European Day of Languages are
similar to those of the 2001 campaign:

• Celebrating linguistic diversity in Europe, the

plurilingualism of its citizens and lifelong language
learning;
• Improving awareness of Europe’s linguistic heritage
and promoting its rich diversity by encouraging
openness to different languages and cultures;
• Motivating European citizens to develop
plurilingualism (the ability to use different
languages, to whatever standard) to achieve a
degree of proficiency in a number of languages,
including those less widely used or taught;
• Encouraging and supporting lifelong language
learning for personal development.
How many language are spoken in Europe?

There are 24 official

languages in Europe, but
there are actually more
than 200 languages spoken
on the continent.
Furthermore, language is
an extension of identity.
 Fun facts about the European Day of Languages
More than half of Europe is bilingual
According to an EU survey, 54 percent of EU citizens speak another language,
25 percent speak two foreign languages (high five!).

It’s all about German…

German is the most widely spoken mother tongue (18 percent), followed by
English and Italian (both 13 percent), and French (12 percent).

…and the language skills of Londoners

European cities are the perfect place to observe this multilingual diversity in
its natural habitat: In London, for example, over 300 languages are spoken!
Russia is a linguistic powerhouse
The record holder of most languages spoken on its
own territory is Russia: Depending on the criteria
used, 130 – 200 different languages are spoken there.

But English still rules

English is the front-runner among EU countries; it’s
considered the most useful language, followed by
French and German.

One of the greatest things about living in Europe is

that so many other languages and cultures are only a
few hours away. From immersion to practicing your
language skills with locals and discovering a new
culture – it’s just so easy and convenient. Another
language is (literally) around the corner, and that
alone is a reason to celebrate today.
 I hope you enjoied
The European Language
Day