Source: OLS
Hello community!
Since 2001, the European Commission and the Council of Europe have celebrated the European Day of Languages (EDL) on September 26.
This observance aims to raise awareness of Europe's linguistic diversity, advocate for cultural heritage and linguistic diversity, encourage language learning, and promote translation, interpretation, and other language-related professions.
Multilingualism is one of the founding principles of the European Union (EU) and a key element of Europe's cultural identity. The EU alone has 24 official languages, and it is estimated that more than 225 indigenous languages are spoken across the continent.
Nurturing knowledge of European languages helps develop successful connections between different linguistic groups, promotes intercultural understanding, and fosters more tolerant and empathetic societies. Additionally, speaking multiple languages increases your chances of starting a career in another EU country. Isn’t that appealing?
At OLS, can do just that by accessing courses and materials to learn up to 29 European languages! Throughout September and October, the European Union has organised numerous events for you to participate in. Check out the list of activities HERE to see what is happening around you and join the EDL 2024 celebrations!
In Romania, the European Day of Languages brings a lot of interesting events as well. Schools, universities, cultural centers, and language institutes all get involved with events like language workshops or cultural exchanges. In Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and other major cities, public events often feature performances, language classes, and cultural exhibits that reflect the linguistic diversity of Europe. These activities are supported by the European Union, local governments, and various educational institutions, all committed to promoting multilingualism and cultural exchange.
The day also reminds us how important it is to learn new languages. For Romanians, speaking languages like English, French, and German opens doors to new educational and career opportunities within the European Union. Language learning not only enhances personal and professional development, but also helps people connect better, travel more easily, and feel more at home in different parts of Europe.
As you probably know already from the Practise your Romanian forum, Romanian is a fascinating language with a unique blend of influences. While it is primarily a Romance language, deriving most of its vocabulary and grammar from Latin, it also has significant Slavic influences. This mix comes from Romania's geographical location and historical interactions with Slavic-speaking peoples.
The Latin roots of Romanian can be traced back to the Roman conquest of Dacia, which led to the spread of Vulgar Latin in the region. Over the centuries, Romanian evolved, incorporating elements from neighbouring Slavic language. As a result, Romanian has a distinctive character, blending Latin structure with Slavic phonetic and lexical elements, making it a unique language.
Happy European Day of Languages! :-)
Roxana, OLS Community Manager – Romanian