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The European Year of Languages 2001 was successful in involving
millions of people across 45 countries in activities to celebrate
linguistic diversity and the benefits of being able to speak another
language. Many people young and old were encouraged to take up a
language, or take special pride in their existing language skills.
Those responsible for providing access to language learning were
encouraged to make it easier for people to learn a range of languages,
and to support policy initiatives to promote languages. The Council
of Europe has declared 26 September an annual European Day of Languages.
| While
many people agree that everyone should be able to speak another
language, in many countries only about half can do so. |
| Why do we need
a European Day of Languages? |
While many people
agree that everyone should be able to speak another language, in
many countries only about half
can do so. There have never been more opportunities to work
or study in a different European country - but lack of language
competence prevents many people from taking advantage of them. Globalisation
and patterns of business ownership mean that citizens increasingly
need foreign language skills to work effectively within their own
countries. Europe is rich in languages - there are over 200 European
languages and many more spoken by citizens whose family origin is
from other continents. This is an important resource to be recognised,
used and cherished. Language learning brings benefits to young and
old - you are never too old to learn a language and to enjoy the
opportunities it opens up. Learning other peoples' languages is
a way of helping us to understand each other better and overcome
our cultural differences.
| There
have never been more opportunities to work or study in a different
European country - but lack of language competence prevents
many people from taking advantage of them. |
| What are the
aims of the European Day of Languages? |
- To alert the
public to the importance of language learning
- To increase awareness and appreciation of ALL the languages spoken
in Europe
- To encourage lifelong language learning
Spread the
word
Contribute to inform as many people as possible about the Day, by
publicising it to friends and colleagues, in newsletters, on websites,
at meetings and to contacts in the media. Ideas are available at
the website below.
The experience of the European Year of Languages 2001 shows we can
achieve much more in partnership than alone. The Day provides an
opportunity to continue to strengthen partnerships developed during
the year at local, regional, national and international levels.
Organise events
Partners in the European Year of Languages organised many thousands
of successful events, ranging from talks to activities involving
whole towns and cities. A selection of practical ideas applicable
to any situation and further information can be found on the official
website for the European
Day of Languages.
Extract from Information Leaflet at http://www.ecml.at/edl
To find out more, visit the official
European Day of
Languages website>>
To find out about
all events across Europe for the European Day of Languages, visit
the events
database>>
To visit the
UK European
Day of Languages website>>
Final
evaluation of the European Year of Languages 2001>>
Other contact
details:
Language Policy Division
DGIV - Council of Europe
F - 67075 Strasbourg Cedex
Tel +33 388 41 20 00 / 26 25
Fax +33 388 41 27 88 / 27 06
decs-lang@coe.int
European Centre for Modern Languages
Nikolaiplatz 4
A-8020 Graz
Tel +43 316 323554
Fax +43 316 323554-4
information@ecml.at
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