European Day of Languages
What is the European Day of Languages (EDL)? ď‚— A day to encourage language learning across Europe. ď‚— At the initiative of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg,
the European Day of Languages has been celebrated every year since 2001 on 26 September.
Why do we celebrate the EDL? 1. To alert the public to the importance of language
learning in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding
Why do we celebrate the EDL? ď‚—
To promote the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe
Why do we celebrate the EDL? ď‚— To encourage lifelong language learning in
and out of school
Did you know that ...? There are between 6000 and 7000 languages in the world with about 225 indigenous languages in Europe
Did you know that ...?
ď‚—
Most of the world’s languages are spoken in Asia and Africa
Did you know that ...? ď‚—
At least half of the world’s population are bilingual or plurilingual, i.e. they speak or understand two or more languages
Did you know that ...? ď‚— Bilingualism makes the learning of
additional languages easier and enhances the thinking process
German is the most widely spoken first language in Europe
People who can speak another language can earn up to ÂŁ5000 more than colleagues who do not!
At the age of 18 months you can speak about fifty words. At the age of five you can speak several thousand!
If you have learnt a second language, it is easier to learn a third, fourth…….. fifth…!
In London, more than 300 languages are spoken at home.