The European Day of Languages is celebrated every year on September 26th across Europe. Established by the Council of Europe in 2001, this day recognises the linguistic diversity of Europe and promotes the importance of language learning. With over 200 European languages spoken across the continent, this celebration offers an exciting opportunity for students to explore different cultures, improve language skills, and gain a greater appreciation for linguistic diversity. However, this doesn't mean we can celebrate only European languages, it is important to include in this celebration all languages with our school community!
Why Celebrate the European Day of Languages?
Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a gateway to understanding new cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Celebrating the Day of Languages is a way to:
Promote Multilingualism: Encourage students to see the value of learning new languages.
Celebrate Cultural Diversity: Language and culture go hand in hand. By learning a language, students also gain insights into the culture and history of its speakers.
Foster Mutual Respect: Multilingualism fosters inclusivity and helps break down barriers between people of different backgrounds.
Whether you're a teacher, a student, or simply passionate about languages, there are countless ways to celebrate this day in an interactive, fun, and educational manner. Below are some activities that can be incorporated into classrooms or as part of school events.
1. Language Taster Sessions
Offering "language tasters," where students can try learning the basics of different languages. This could include:
Greetings: Learning how to say "hello," "thank you," or "goodbye" in languages like French, Spanish, German, Italian, Polish, or any lesser-known languages like Basque or Catalan.
Simple Phrases: Teach practical phrases such as “Where is the bus stop?” or “How much does this cost?” in several languages.
Cultural Titbits: Include fun facts about the countries where the languages are spoken, which will make the session engaging.
2. Language and Culture Quiz
Organising a quiz that combines linguistic and cultural questions. This can be a fun and competitive way for students to learn about different (European) countries. Including questions such as:
"Which country speaks this language?"
"What is the official language of Belgium?"
"In which country would you find flamenco dancing?" Considering splitting the class into teams and offering small prizes to encourage participation.
3. Multilingual Morning Announcements
Starting the school day with a multilingual twist by having students give the morning announcements in different (European) languages. You can prepare them in advance, so that students can practise. This could include saying the date, weather, or sharing fun facts about languages and countries in Europe. This is a simple way to immerse the whole school in the celebration.
4. Language Bingo
Creating a bingo game where each square contains a word or phrase in a different language. For example, squares could feature words like "bonjour" (French for hello), "hola" (Spanish for hello), and "hallo" (German for hello). Students must listen and mark off the squares as they hear the words called out. The first to get a full line wins!
5. Pen Pal Program
To give students a practical application for their language learning, setting up a pen pal program with a school in another European country. Students can exchange letters or emails in a foreign language, helping them practice their writing skills and learn about another culture in a real-world context. This can also foster long-term interest in language learning beyond the classroom. Another great way id using a Padlet to share notes and messages.
6. Multilingual Song and Dance
Music is a universal language, and learning songs in another language is both fun and educational. Playing traditional songs from different European countries and teaching students the lyrics. You can also teach them traditional dances, such as:
The French “Le Rigodon”
Spanish Flamenco steps
Greek Sirtaki This combination of music, language, and dance will help students connect emotionally with the languages they are learning.
Schultüte
7. Language Art Project
Getting creative by having students create posters or artwork based on a language or country of their choice. This could include:
Writing words or sentences in a foreign language and illustrating them.
Creating flags of different European countries.
Making language-related infographics that explain interesting facts about different European languages and their histories.
This year we have a competition for our students to create a 'Schultüte'. A 'Schultüte,' also called a 'Zuckertüte,' is a traditional German custom where children receive a decorated cone filled with gifts on their first day of school. The cones typically contain items like fruits, sweets, and small toys as a reward for completing their first day, making the occasion extra special.
Creating bookmarks
8. Cultural Food Day
Food and language often go hand in hand. Organising a European Food Day where students can sample traditional dishes from various European countries. Encouraging students to label the dishes in their native language and explain a bit of the history behind each dish. This can be a delicious way to explore culture through language. In the past we have had 'Bake off' competitions which were very popular.
Creating a menu in target language
Examples of students' work
9. Language Movie Marathon
Hosting a movie marathon with films in various European languages. Movies provide an excellent way to expose students to how languages sound in a natural setting. Choosing age-appropriate films with subtitles to make it accessible, and considering discussing the cultural aspects shown in the films afterward.
10. Create a “Language Passport”
Giving each student a “Language Passport” at the beginning of the day, which they can fill with stamps or stickers as they complete different language activities. For example, each time they learn a new phrase, try a new food, or complete a cultural quiz, they get a stamp. By the end of the day, they’ll have a collection of experiences from different languages, reinforcing the sense of achievement.
11. Teachers Speaking Languages
Recording different teachers speaking in languages they know and play the recordings for the class. Challenging students to guess which teacher is speaking and what language they are using. This can be a fun mystery for students and show them how many people around them are multilingual.
12. Tongue Twisters Challenge
Challenging your students with a daily tongue twister in a different language. This activity is both fun and helps improve pronunciation. For example, you could try "Les chaussettes de l’archiduchesse sont-elles sèches ou archi-sèches?" in French or "Cómo poco coco como, poco coco compro" in Spanish. "Rhabarberbarbara" in German: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYkBf0dbs5I
13. Treasure Hunt
Setting up a QR code treasure hunt around the school or classroom. Each QR code can lead students to a question or task written in the target language. Students must complete the challenges and navigate their way around to collect answers and win the hunt!
14. Virtual Tours of European Cities
Using Google Arts and Culture or Google Earth to virtually visit famous landmarks, museums, and cities across Europe. This immersive experience can help students connect with the cultures associated with different languages, adding context to their language learning.
15. Create a Logo
Designing a logo to represent the (European) Day of Languages, incorporating symbols of communication, flags, culture, and multilingualism. They can use paper or digital tools to create their designs and then present their logos to the class.
Conclusion
The (European) Day of Languages is a great opportunity to ignite a passion for language learning and cultural exploration in students. From tongue twisters and idioms to virtual tours and multilingual songs, these activities will make the celebration of linguistic diversity interactive and fun. By integrating language learning into everyday activities, students can develop a deeper appreciation for the role of languages in building bridges across cultures.
Let's make this (European) Day of Languages a celebration of connection, understanding, and curiosity!
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