Europe’s vibrant mosaic of cultures is intricately woven with its linguistic diversity. This beautiful tapestry is celebrated every year on the European Day of Languages, a day dedicated to recognizing the significance of preserving and promoting the myriad languages spoken across the continent. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the day, and the Council of Europe is once again highlighting the importance of language diversity, a cornerstone of European identity.
There are over 225 indigenous languages spoken across Europe, alongside a vast number of non-European languages brought to the continent through migration. This linguistic richness is a testament to Europe’s history as a melting pot of cultures and a testament to the power of language to connect people from different backgrounds.
In a statement marking the day, Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania and Acting President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, quoted the 16th-century humanist Catholic priest Mikalojus Daukša, who published the first books in Lithuanian. Daukša beautifully captured the essence of language’s role in fostering unity and cultural identity: “It is not by the fertility of the land, nor by the diversity of the clothes, nor by the beauty of the country, nor by the strength of the cities and castles that nations live, but mainly by preserving and using their language, which increases and preserves unity, harmony and brotherly love. Language is the common bond of love, the mother of unity, the father of citizenship, the guardian of the state.”
Nausėda echoed Daukša’s sentiment, highlighting the profound connection between language and cultural identity: “Linguistic diversity, from which a remarkable cultural diversity springs, is the foundation of today’s Europe. We are unique because we pay attention to each language, to its preservation, to its dissemination in the public sphere. Respect for all languages, even the smallest ones, ensures our communion and keeps alive the project of European unity, as today’s events across Europe show.”
In celebration of European Day of Languages, the Council of Europe has launched several initiatives to promote linguistic diversity and bridge cultural differences. One of the initiatives encourages people to submit posters on the theme of “unity and understanding across different languages”. The top five entries will be awarded prizes, and the top 30 will be showcased at the European Centre for Modern Languages. This initiative aims to spark creativity and promote intercultural dialogue through the power of visual art.
Another initiative invites people to submit examples of the most difficult words or phrases to pronounce in European languages. The examples they provide are indeed tongue-twisters, showcasing the intricacies and challenges of mastering different languages. “Cabeleireiro,” the Portuguese word for “hairstylist,” is a mouthful due to the repetition of similar-sounding syllables. “Następstw,” the Polish word for “consequence,” presents difficulties with its cluster of consonants. Even native French speakers can stumble over “serrurerie” (locksmith), while the simple number 555 proves challenging when pronounced in German as “Fünfhundertfünfundfünfzig.” One of the first Dutch tongue-twisters language learners encounter is the phrase “88 beautiful canals,” which aptly reflects the Netherlands’ environment and highlights the language’s guttural “g” sound: “Achtentachtig prachtige grachten.”
Language proficiency across Europe varies significantly. Over half of Europeans speak more than one language, with the Nordic countries excelling in multilingualism. Southern Europeans, however, tend to be less proficient in languages other than their native tongues. The UK, unsurprisingly, sits towards the lower end of the list.
The vast majority of European languages trace their origins back to an Indo-European ancestor that likely emerged around the Caspian Sea area approximately 5,000 years ago. Basque (Euskara) is considered the oldest indigenous European language. Spoken in the Pyrenees region of France and Spain, Basque is a language isolate, meaning it doesn’t derive from any other currently spoken language. It is believed to be the last surviving pre-Indo-European language in Western Europe, with roots in Aquitanian, predating the spread of Latin throughout the region. After Basque, Lithuanian is the oldest Indo-European language, sharing striking similarities with ancient Sanskrit, the sacred language of Hinduism.
While most indigenous European languages belong to the Indo-European family, Maltese stands out as an exception. Its proximity to the Middle East is reflected in its linguistic roots: Maltese is the only European language belonging to the Afro-Asiatic family, which includes Arabic and Hebrew. This unique linguistic heritage further emphasizes the rich diversity that defines Europe’s linguistic landscape.
European Day of Languages is a testament to the power of language to connect cultures, preserve traditions, and shape identities. It reminds us that celebrating and protecting linguistic diversity is not only about preserving heritage but also about fostering understanding and building bridges across cultures. As we explore the captivating world of European languages, we discover the vibrant tapestry of Europe’s history, culture, and identity.
