Each year, on September 26, Europe comes together to celebrate its linguistic diversity through the European Day of Languages. Given that this event touches upon EUNIC Netherlands’ essential values, the cluster has consistently been organising activities for the European Day of Languages each year. EUNIC Netherlands hereby aims to encourage awareness of European linguistic diversity and stimulate language education.
EUNIC Netherlands has organised two events for the European Day of Languages, both taking place on September 29, which have been organised in collaboration with the European Commission.
Speak-dating event
At 19.00 on September 29, EUNIC Netherlands and the European Commission are organising a speak-dating event to mark the European Day of Languages in the cosy OBA café. Native speakers of European languages prepare simple face-to-face sessions for attendees, introducing fun idioms or simple phrases, all contributing to give an insight into European cultural and linguistic diversity. This year’s speak-dating will feature languages such as Slovenian, Estonian, Esperanto and Dutch sign language (NGT, with interpreter). Come along and date Europe! Registration is recommended and appreciated, but participation without registration is also possible. Entry is free.
Language Festivals
One aspect of EUNIC Netherlands’ activity focuses on stimulating linguistic awareness and education for the young. Using its unique network of native language speakers from all over Europe, EUNIC Netherlands and the European Commission are organising Language Festivals in various cultural centres across the country. These are aimed at first-year high school students and consist of various short language classes. The students are introduced to new European languages, ranging from Spanish to Ukranian, Polish and Czech. The students are thus acquainted with European diversity and the joy of multilingualism in a dynamic and entertaining way. These festivals will take place during the day on September 29.
