European Language Day

The European Day of Languages is celebrated every year on 26 September to celebrate and recall, among other things, the importance of the diversity of languages and to maintain a high level of participation in the learning of new languages.

This civil festival of commemoration was created in 2001 when, during the European Year, the subject "languages" was chosen. The aim of these European Years is to raise public awareness and draw the attention of governments to a certain theme chosen annually by the European Union. For example, there were important topics such as 'the environment' in 1987, 'violence against women' in 1999 and 'equal opportunities' in 2007.

So you see, these themes are of fundamental importance for society and they are major concerns for the leaders of each country.

But, what are we doing on the European Day of Languages?

To celebrate linguistic diversity, plurilingualism, lifelong language learning and many other things related to the subject of languages there are hundreds of activities all over Europe to encourage language acquisition and the discovery of other cultures.

For example, the Representation of the European Commission in France is organising a linguistic and fun event in the form of a multilingual dictation in which secondary school pupils are invited to participate. The texts can be sent to the participating teachers on request to correct the dictation with their pupils. A diploma and prizes will be available upon request to congratulate and thank the participants. In addition, there are events, radio and television broadcasts, language courses, conferences, etc. Everyone is free to decide what kind of activities they want to offer, individually or in groups.

You can find more information on :
- the Council of Europe website: https://www.coe.int/fr/web/language-policy/european-day-of-languages
- directly on the organization's website: https://edl.ecml.at/Home/tabid/1455/language/fr-FR/Default.aspx

So let us all take advantage of this opportunity by opening up to other cultures, traditions and languages that are not usually presented in the classroom or in our daily lives. Talk to your friends and family and highlight the other languages you know or those you want to learn! Why not create a small language café?

​​​​​​​In fact, there is one café like this in Montpellier, every Wednesday at the Café de la Panacée from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Wear something yellow to show off to other interested people and get into the language exchange with Yellow Chatters !

For any other information concerning the events proposed each year, please contact the websites listed above.