Brussels, 25/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 26 September, the European Union celebrates the European Day of Languages. In this context, the European Commission will press home the growing importance of foreign languages during a special event to be held the following day in Limassol, to be attended by over 400 delegates. Discussion will focus on ways to improve language learning and the role of languages in a globalised world. Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, who is responsible for multilingualism, will on this occasion reward five projects that are deemed to have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of language learning and teaching. “If we no longer take the trouble to learn our neighbours' languages, then we are less likely to understand their concerns. That is why language teaching and learning is one of our top priorities in the new Erasmus for All programme”, the commissioner states in a press release.
Languages are the cornerstone of Europe's cultural wealth. In addition to the 23 official languages of the European Union, there are some 60 regional languages and over 175 languages spoken by migrants. Many events will be organised throughout the EU, on the occasion of the European Day of Languages, including a multilingual “speak-dating” event in Prague, a world café in Sofia, a rap competition in Aarhus, a European language cocktail bar in Budapest, a special poetry evening of foreign languages in Cardiff, and a “linguistic bath” in 30 libraries in Berlin. Jointly organised by the European Commission and the Council of Europe, the event has been held every year since 2001. (IL/transl.jl)