The European Day of Languages is celebrated every year on 26 September across Europe. It was established by the Council of Europe in 2001 to highlight the importance of learning languages and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity.
The day reminds us that Europe is home to more than 200 languages, and that learning new languages helps people communicate, travel, study, and work more easily. It also encourages respect for other cultures and traditions.
The European Union has 24 official languages: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, and Swedish. By protecting its 24 languages, the EU also protects cultural heritage, and motivates people to learn languages.
On this day schools, universities, and cultural organizations organize different activities: language quizzes, workshops, plays, competitions, concerts, and exhibitions. People are invited to discover new languages, try out phrases, and share words from their own cultures.
The celebration shows that languages are not just a tool for communication, but also a bridge between nations and a way to build mutual understanding and friendship.
The first-year students of ISTU college took part in a flashmob dedicated to the holiday. The students read famous quotations and sayings about the importance of learning languages.
Here are some of them:
- “To have another language is to possess a second soul.” – Charlemagne
- “A different language is a different vision of life.” – Federico Fellini
- “With languages, you are at home anywhere.” – Edmund de Waal
- “Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom.” – Roger Bacon
- “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” – Rita Mae Brown
- “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” – Frank Smith
- “Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” – Flora Lewis
The atmosphere was friendly and inspiring. The event showed that languages are also a key to tolerance and cooperation. When we speak another person’s language, we show respect for their traditions and way of thinking. It makes cooperation between countries easier and helps avoid misunderstandings.
So, learning languages develops our memory, improves problem-solving skills, and keeps our brain active. It is not only useful for professional success but also for personal growth. That is why learning languages is truly an investment in the future.
Learn Languages, Travel, Discover the World and
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