There have already been lots of events going on to celebrate the 10th European Day of Languages and there will be even more happening today and over the next few weeks. The Language Rich Europe blog will be looking at a selection of these in more depth as they happen and later today we will contribute to the European Commission’s Day of Multilingual Blogging initiative with our very own multilingual post.

But for now here is a short summary of some of the highlights of events taking place across Europe today. Please add your own events in the Comments section below and visit our News and Events page and the official European Day of Languages site to find out what else is happening where you are!

Working together with partners from EUNIC Berlin, the Berlin public libraries and the European Commission in Germany the British Council has an exciting programme of events for the European Day of Languages. The morning will see school classes taking part in fun activities hosted by libraries across the city, bringing the children into contact with different languages. Fourteen languages will be represented across 20 locations. To round the day off, members of the public are invited to a podium discussion event hosted by the European Commission looking at the theme of Language acquisition and successful integration.

In Estonia 16 embassies, cultural institutes and publishers will have information stands at the Atrium with short films on each country being screened throughout the day. Short Language classes (30 min) for beginners will take place and the day will be opened by the Rector of Tallinn University Tiit Land, Minsitry of Education Jaak Aaviksoo and the new Head of the Estonan Representation of the European Commission Hannes Rumm. The programme includes the presentation of the European Award for Teaching Languages, a Translation Conference, as well as  interviews and a quiz on the radio.

In Belgium, EUNIC in Brussels in cooperation with the STIB will be displaying poems in their original language and in translation by poets from all across Europe. Come and join the Flash Mob Dance in four of the metro stations in Brussels where the poems will be displayed. Starting at Gare du Midi/Zuidstation at 17:30, the Flash Mob Dancers will move to Porte de Namur/Naamsepoort, Merode and Roodebeek.

Poland is hosting a Language Gala in Warsaw where the social campaign ‘Learn Languages’ will be launched and personalities will be awarded for promoting multilingualism. Other events at the gala include the presentation of the Language Rich Europe project, a presentation on language policy in Poland, the awarding of best practices in developing language policies at Polish higher education institutions and the launch of the languages contest for business. On the 24 September, Krakow also celebrated the European Day of Languages by promoting the idea of multilingualism by encouraging people to learn languages and having fun by participating in the City Game.

And finally, the ZOI.gr programme on SKAI Radio in Greece will interview a representative from the Directorate General for Translation of the European Commission who will draw the winners of the languages competition which ran last week. Entrants have the chance to win a one-semester language learning course.

And don’t forget… from today you can upload your videos to take part in the Language Rich Europe and Poliglotti4.eu competition – read how to do this on our website and earlier blog post!