Europe day of languages to be held in consulate

ISTANBUL

In an effort to promote multilingualism and intercultural understanding across Europe the 12th annual European Day of Languages will be celebrated this year at the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul on Sept. 29.

The European Day of Languages has been celebrated every year since 2001 as an initiative of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Each year millions of people gather in 45 countries to celebrate linguistic diversity with cultural activities. The event was started in 2001 with the ambition to advance cultural and linguistic diversity throughout Europe and to promote language learning to all European citizens.

Istanbul will celebrate the day with activities such as traditional and contemporary dance performances, short films and fun language games at the Sismanoglio Megaro of the Consulate General of Greece in the city’s Beyoğlu district.

Across Europe, 800 million Europeans represented by the Council of Europe’s 47 member states are encouraged to learn more languages, at any age, in and out of school, on the European Day of Languages. A range of events, including activities for and with children, television and radio programs, language classes and conferences are organized across Europe on the occasion.

This year’s participants include the Austrian Cultural Forum, the British Council, the Consulate General of the Slovak Republic, the Consulate General of Sweden, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic.