European Day of Languages

At the initiative of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, the European Day of Languages is celebrated every year on 26 September.

The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are:

1. Alerting the public to the importance of language learning and diversifying the range of languages learnt in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding;

2. Promoting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, which must be preserved and fostered;

3. Encouraging lifelong language learning in and out of school, whether for study purposes, for professional needs, for purposes of mobility or for pleasure and exchanges.

In some countries, sign languages are included in these activities. Very often, the organizers forget. Contact them, remind them to include sign language, offer to organize something yourself in return for their help in advertising and promoting your activity. Try to involve all sign language teachers and sign language users in your country, to really make an impact.

Use the activities that are organized for spoken languages, for inspiration. Many of these activities can be used to promote sign languages, as well!