The European Day of Languages

Today we commemorate the European Day of Languages. This special occasion is by no means new, as it was established at the initiative of the Council of Europe in 2001 (and has been celebrated ever since). Unfortunately, many people are still not familiar with the idea behind the EDL, as it is not nearly as widespread as Valentine’s Day… Yet it definitely should be.

This extraordinary initiative raises our awareness of the linguistic variety within Europe, seeing that there are as many as 24 official languages in the EU. For that reason alone it definitely deserves great recognition! 

On top of that, excellent language skills are indisputably one of the most desired qualities on the job market. By the same token, we are encouraged to learn foreign languages on a regular basis, throughout our entire live (long-life learning). Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? :)

In this article, I would like to focus on the importance of foreign languages in our present-day life. Do we still need them? It is believed that being able to speak English is sufficient, since it is a contemporary form of lingua franca, that is: a language that is as hugely popular and universal, as Latin was once. These people claim that only translators and interpreters should be trained to master foreign languages, as it befits the very essence of their profession, but others don’t have to bother to do so... Well, obviously I don't share this view I do hope you don't fall into this category. 

However, some gather that they are supposed to learn new languages for the purpose of their education, job, and sometimes because they feel an internal compulsion to learn more, which  might even become a genuine long-life passion. Or addiction, if you will. Just ask any polyglot :) The fact is, the more languages you speak, the easier it becomes to learn new ones, seeing that there are considerable similarities, in particular within a given language family (take for instance Spanish, French and Italian).

Today I would like to provide you with some inspiring quotes, which would, hopefully, motivate you to learn foreign languages:

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. – Nelson Mandela

Who learns a new language gets a new soul. - Juan Ramón Jimenez

Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own. ‒Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The limits of my language are the limits of my world. ‒Ludwig Wittgenstein

If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world. ‒Ludwig Wittgenstein

To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world. –Chinese proverb

Those who know many languages live as many lives as the languages they know. ‒Czech proverb

As you can see, each and every single quote suggests that we do benefit a lot from acquiring a new language, not to mention the satisfaction we derive from succeeding in being able to understand and communicate with native speakers. Nothing can possibly replace this exceptional feeling, and I hope you know what I mean.

Furthermore, it is an excellent intellectual exercise, not exclusively for the young people, but also for the elderly ones. Being bilingual (or multilingual) helps to improve cerebral fitness and reduce the risk and delay the symptoms of Alzheimer disease. Did you know about it? :)

Well, I hope that I have just fired you with enthusiasm and willingness to learn a new language. Bear in mind, that it's never too late to learn new languages, but still worth starting as soon as possible. Why not today? :)

I’m dying to hear from you what languages you speak or intend to learn? Let me know in the comments.

***

PS. If you still need an extra incentive, click here to watch the International Debate on languages, streamlined by the European Commission in all 24 offcial languages of the EU (the credit goes to the outstanding services delivered by the interpreters working there!). Enjoy!

Images taken from:

s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com; qcc.cuny.edu/ForeignLanguages/; edl.ecml.at