2017 edition
26 September: European Day of Languages

The European Day of Languages (EDL) is an annual celebration day to encourage language learning across Europe. At the initiative of the Council of Europe, EDL has been celebrated every year, on 26 September, since the European Year of Languages in 2001.

The specific aims of the EDL are to:

  • raise awareness of the importance of language learning in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding;
  • promote the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe;
  • encourage lifelong language learning in and out of school.

The dedicated website for the EDL is available in 36 languages and hundreds of activities are registered in the events’ calendar. The EDL activities which take place in Europe and increasingly on other continents are organised mainly by schools, universities, language and cultural institutes, associations and also by the European Commission’s translation field offices. In 2016 over 1100 events were recorded.

Council of Europe Strasbourg 25 September 2017
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2016 edition
Council of Europe Strasbourg 26 September 2016
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European Day of Languages 2016

A day to celebrate the rich mosaic of languages coexisting in Europe and beyond: the European Day of Languages marks every year since 2001 our linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. The European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML), encouraging excellence and innovation in language teaching, will take part in a key event in Graz, Austria.

A wide range of initiatives are organised across the Continent: a language festival in the Students’ Square in Belgrade, a presentation of 13 different idioms and cultures at the University library in Bergen, a language fair in Zagreb, and exhibition at the  multimedia centre in Nice, amongst them.

Message from Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland

"The European Day of Languages is celebrated every year on 26 September. It's a day to encourage language learning for young and old. This year's European Language Day is also an opportunity to highlight the huge value of Europe's cultural diversity.

 Europe's nations are always at their strongest and most prosperous when we are open and outward-facing, willing to embrace other ways of life, and when we welcome those who can contribute to our societies. By pausing to celebrate the dozens of languages spoken across our communities we can send a powerful message: that Europe is a place where all backgrounds are welcome and individuals of every heritage can feel at home. Hundreds  of events have been organized by schools, universities and cultural establishments to mark the day. I would like to send my best wishes to all those taking part."

2015 edition
Celebrating the linguistic diversity of Europe
Council of Europe Strasbourg 25 September 2015
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The European Day of Languages 2015

It is a day to celebrate the rich mosaic of languages enriching cultural heritage and diversity in Europe.  On every 26th September, since 2001, the European Day of Languages has been aiming to encourage language learning across the Continent, in order to increase pluri-lingualism and inter-cultural understanding. This year 530 events are planned in Council of Europe member states in partnership with schools, universities, cultural institutes, foundations and associations: a language festival on the island in the River Mur in Graz, a conference on multilingualism and educational workshops at the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade, language activities in over 300 schools in Paris, amongst them.

Background

The Council of Europe has been working to address the languages challenge, through its Language Policy Unit, its European Centre for Modern Languages and through co-operation with the European Commission, notably in the area of multilingual classrooms.

The Council of Europe’s Recommendation on the relevance of the languages of schooling (focus for 2015) for educational success offers its 47 European Member States concrete and innovative support to help them ensure that all pupils can reach their educational potential.

Social media: #coeEDL #EDL2015

2011 edition

 In 2011, the Council of Europe celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Day.