European Day of Languages: The linguistic diversity in Macedonia fulfills the goals for which the EU stands
Today, September 26, the Council of Europe celebrates the European Day of Languages. 49 member states of the Council participate in this initiative, which are encouraged to learn multiple languages, at any age, in and out of schools, including Macedonia.
The celebration of this day aims to raise awareness of language learning, increasing plurilingualism and intercultural understanding.
In Europe, Russian, German, English, French and Italian are the most widely spoken languages, therefore, on this day, the Council of Europe aims to promote the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe. The European Cultural Convention of 49 member states has 41 official or national languages and other languages with special status. Most countries have a large number of traditionally spoken, ie minority or regional languages.
The linguistic diversity represented in Macedonia covers exactly the goals for which the European Union stands and enables minorities to speak and be educated in their mother tongue, but also gives them the opportunity to learn the Macedonian language.
Learning multiple languages has many benefits, but above all, the most important thing is to learn, nurture and promote the mother tongue, which is a mirror of the identity, culture and history of a nation.
The Macedonian language as the official and national language in Macedonia, which is spoken outside its borders by 2,5 to three million people.
Today, the Macedonian standard language is recognized and equally accepted among the official languages in the European Union.
Following the initiative of the Council of Europe, the European Day of Languages began to be celebrated in 2001 on September 26, together with the European Commission.
Council of Europe member states are encouraged to learn multiple languages, at any age. Convinced that linguistic diversity is the achievement of greater multicultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent, the Council of Europe promotes multilingualism throughout Europe.
