The European Day of Languages (EDL) is 26 September every year. It is a day to celebrate the diversity of languages across Europe and is a chance for schools and all organisations to:

• alert the public to the importance of language learning
• increase awareness and appreciation of all the languages spoken in Europe
• encourage lifelong language learning.

EDL is an initiative of the Council of Europe and began in 2001. Find information, resources and interactive games on the European Day of Languages website.

Resources

Are you a teacher and do you want to help your students celebrate the European Day of Languages (EDL)? Whether you teach in a primary or a post-primary school, you may have students who speak different mother tongues. You may want to help them celebrate their linguistic heritage, or encourage your students to see the beauty of a multilingual society. No matter your students’ age and background, languages are there to be spoken and we are here to help you celebrate them!

Each year we supply resources to help teachers and others celebrate the day. You can register your interest to receive materials for the EDL here:

This year’s materials include “Talk to me!” stickers, “Discover the world through languages!” posters and EDL fabric wristbands.

The EDL website also has a range of interactive games and resources available for language teachers and learners.

Competition

Every year Léargas hold an annual competition to promote language learning. Check our competitions page to see what we’ve done in previous years and to check for updates for this year.

Benefits

The European Day of Languages is a perfect way for teachers or learners of ANY language to celebrate language learning and language diversity. Language learning brings benefits to young and old: you are never too old to learn a language and to enjoy the opportunities it opens up! Knowing even a few words of another language can help us to understand and appreciate other cultures and their differences.