
European Day of Languages
Since 2001, September 26 has marked the European Day of Languages, a yearly celebration of the rich and diverse languages used across Europe. This day is a chance for schools and organisations to:
- Promote the importance and benefits of language learning.
- Raise awareness and appreciation of all the languages used in Europe.
- Encourage and support lifelong language learning.
The European Day of Languages is an initiative of the Council of Europe. You can find information, resources and interactive games on the European Day of Languages website.
Why Should I Get Involved in the European Day of Languages?
As a language learner or educator, you already know that familiarity with foreign languages fosters an appreciation of intercultural relations, and that language learning benefits people of all ages.
The European Day of Languages is a fantastic opportunity to promote the power of language learning and language diversity. It offers a space to engage in fun language activities with your class, organisation, and the wider language community. For educators, the European Languages Day is especially relevant if you:
- have students who are bilingual or multilingual
- want to help students celebrate their linguistic heritage
- want to show your students the beauty of a multilingual society
European Day of Languages
I’m Interested! What Now?
The next European Day of Languages will be celebrated on 26 September 2023. Anyone can take part in the European Day of Languages and come up with ideas or events centred around languages.
You can also visit the European Day of Languages website to explore a range of interactive games and resources already available for language teachers and learners. You choose the activities that interest you and decide how much time to dedicate!
We’d love to hear about your events and ideas on our social media or see photos of our celebration kits in action. Tag us on Instagram (@leargas.ireland) or Twitter (@Leargas)
We have had unpreceded demand this year for EDL kits and are at this stage attempting to fulfil a backlog of requests. Therefore it is not possible for any new schools to request materials. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
Previous European Day of Languages Competitions
Over the years Léargas has been proud to run several competitions in recognition of the European Day of Languages. These have typically been for primary and post-primary teachers, and often in conjunction with eTwinning, the online community for schools in Europe. This partnership has celebrated collaboration and exchange between schools in different EU countries, and promoted creativity and innovation in language teaching and learning.
Previous winners of the European Day of Languages Competition have included:
- Balbriggan ETNS, Dublin; eTwinning project LANGUAGE POWER
- Andrew’s College, Dublin; eTwinning project Desde la Perla Esmeralda a la Perla del Mediterráneo
- Mount Carmel Secondary School, Dublin; eTwinning project Should borders be abolished? / Faut-il supprimer les frontières?
- The King’s Hospital School, Dublin; eTwinning project Auf gut Deutsch gesagt
- Kilglass NS, primary school, Ahascragh, Galway; eTwinning project Our Health is our Wealth
- St. Vincent’s Secondary School and Midleton College, Cork; eTwinning project Multimedia Quiz on German Language and Culture
- Salesian College, post-primary school, Limerick; eTwinning project The Power of Reading/El poder de la lectura
- Manor House School, post primary-school, Dublin; eTwinning project Il y a 100 ans… L’après la Grande Guerre/100 years ago: Life in Ireland and France in the aftermath of WW1
European Language Label: Vicki's Story
Learn More
Find out more about European Language Initiatives.
Language Resources
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ECML Summer Workshop – Developing Language Aware Schools
Developing Language Aware Schools
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Léargas-GDPR Training for Beneficiaries
A video guide for essential GDPR requirements for all Léargas supported projects Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, CASE
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All About Youth – EU Opportunities for Young People in Ireland
Guide, 2022
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European Language Label 2018-2019
Publication, 2018-2019
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European Language Label Booklet, 2017
Booklet, 2017
European Languages Links
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