September 26 marks the European Day of Languages, as decided by the Council of Europe and the European Commission (EC) in 2001 with the aim to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity on the continent.

“Understanding each other is the key to benefiting from Europe’s rich cultural diversity. Language education helps us to do this and to embrace other cultures and ways of life,” Council of Europe Secretary General, Thorbjørn Jagland, said in a statement marking the occasion.

European Day of Languages celebrates more than 200 languages spoken in Europe, the 24 official languages of the European Union, and three scripts, as well as 60 regional and minority languages.

One of the purposes of marking this day is to encourage lifelong language learning, which enables easier communication, widens horizons, and breaks down cultural stereotypes.

The European Day of Languages provides an opportunity to celebrate Europe’s unique linguistic context, and serves as an impetus for people of all ages and backgrounds to broaden their horizons and discover the added value of being able to communicate in other languages, Jagland added.

On this day, attention is also brought to efforts to protect the lesser-known languages. Protection of endangered regional and minority languages is part of European Charter for European and Minority Languages, and Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

“Languages stand at the crossroads of culture, education, and identity. The promotion of linguistic diversity is woven into the EU DNA,” said Tibor Navracsics, EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports.

With its language policies, the EC promotes multilingualism and encourages each EU citizen to learn, aside from their mother tongue, at least two foreign languages.

The EC will organise a public conference on multilingual education and cultural expression in Brussels on September 27.

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