"To have another language is to possess a second soul." Charlemagne
Every year, on 26th September, people across Europe celebrate the European Day of Languages, a day dedicated to recognising the beauty and diversity of languages spoken on this continent.
With over 200 languages, including regional and minority tongues, Europe is a linguistic treasure trove! Whether you’re already learning a language or thinking about starting one, this day is the perfect reminder of how much languages enrich our lives.
So, let’s explore some fun facts, examine the diversity of languages in Europe, and learn how you can get started on your own language journey.
Fun Language Facts from Around Europe
Europe is home to some fascinating languages, many of which have unique stories and characteristics. Let’s explore a few:
Basque (Euskara): Did you know that Basque is a linguistic mystery? Spoken in regions of northern Spain and southwestern France, it’s the only language in Europe that has no known relatives! Linguists have yet to determine where it originated, making it one of the most unique languages in the world.
Icelandic: Icelandic is considered a “fossilised language,” meaning it hasn’t changed much in over 1,000 years. Icelanders can still read ancient texts from the Viking era with little difficulty, making this language a window into the past.
Maltese: Malta’s official language is Maltese, a Semitic language heavily influenced by Arabic, Italian, and English. It’s the only language in the Semitic family written in the Latin alphabet, which gives it a unique edge among European languages.
Dutch: Ever heard of the Dutch word “gezelligheid”? It has no direct translation in English but roughly refers to the warm, cosy feeling you get when spending time with loved ones. This word captures a sense of community that is deeply rooted in Dutch culture.
Welsh: In Wales, street signs are bilingual, with both English and Welsh text. While the number of Welsh speakers has declined over the years, recent revitalisation efforts have increased its use, with over 29% of the population speaking Welsh today!
The Beauty of Language Diversity
One of the most wonderful things about Europe is its sheer linguistic diversity. With 24 official languages across the European Union and countless regional and minority languages, every country has its own unique linguistic and cultural identity.
Learning a language isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about understanding the culture, traditions, and worldview of the people who speak it.
For example, did you know that Catalan, spoken in parts of Spain, France, and Italy, is not just a dialect of Spanish but a fully-fledged language with its own rich literary tradition? Or that Frisian, spoken in the northern Netherlands, is the language closest to English?
Europe also boasts a wealth of endangered languages, from Sámi in Northern Europe to Breton in France. Many of these languages are at risk of disappearing, but local communities are working hard to preserve them.
Once considered extinct, Cornish, a Celtic language from Cornwall in the UK, has seen a remarkable revival in recent years. Community efforts have led to a resurgence in Cornish speakers, with schools, language courses, and cultural events helping to keep this ancient language alive. Learning even a few phrases in Cornish is a wonderful way to support its ongoing revival and celebrate a unique part of British culture. For Example, the word for beach in Cornish is “treth” so if you ever visit look out for this word in place names.
By learning a few words of one of these minority languages, you’re not just picking up a new skill – you’re helping to keep a piece of Europe’s linguistic heritage alive!
The Cultural Insights Hidden in Language
"Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things." Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosopher of Language)
Languages are more than just words; they are windows into the cultures and values of the people who speak them. Learning a new language gives you access to unique expressions and concepts that often have no direct translation to other languages, revealing different ways of seeing the world.
Here are some fascinating phrases from various European languages that beautifully capture cultural ideas and values, highlighting the depth and diversity that language learning can offer.
German – "Wanderlust"A well-known word in English, "Wanderlust" comes from German and means a strong desire to travel and explore the world. It perfectly encapsulates a cultural value in German-speaking countries of appreciating adventure, nature, and the joy of discovering new places.
Spanish – "Sobremesa"In Spanish, "sobremesa" refers to the time spent lingering at the table after a meal, talking and enjoying each other’s company. This word reflects the importance of social connections and a relaxed approach to life in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Finnish – "Sisu""Sisu" is a Finnish term that embodies the concept of stoic determination, resilience, and courage in the face of challenges. It’s an integral part of Finnish culture, highlighting the value of inner strength and perseverance.
Japanese – "Wabi-sabi"In Japanese, "wabi-sabi" represents a world view that finds beauty in imperfection and the natural cycle of growth and decay. This phrase reflects the cultural appreciation for simplicity, transience, and the imperfect nature of life.
Portuguese – "Saudade""Saudade" is a Portuguese word that expresses a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that is absent. It’s a concept that captures the melancholic beauty of missing, loving, and appreciating past moments.
Benefits of Learning a New Language
Why should you start learning a new language?
Beyond the obvious ability to communicate with more people, there are several cognitive, professional, and cultural benefits to learning a language:
Boost your brainpower: Learning a language has been proven to improve memory, problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of dementia. Your brain becomes sharper as it learns to switch between languages and recognise patterns.
Enhance your career prospects: In an increasingly globalised world, knowing another language can make you stand out to employers. Whether you’re interested in international business, tourism, or diplomacy, being multilingual is a valuable asset.
Experience new cultures more deeply: When you learn a language, you’re also learning about the culture and customs of the people who speak it. You’ll be able to engage with native speakers in a more meaningful way, understanding jokes, idioms, and cultural references that would otherwise be lost.
Tips for Getting Started with a New Language
Ready to begin your language-learning journey? Here are some tips to get you started:
Choose a language that excites you: Whether it’s French for romance, Spanish for travel, or German for work, pick a language that sparks your interest. Motivation is key to staying committed.
Start small and be consistent: Set small, achievable goals, like learning five new words a day or mastering basic greetings. Daily practice, even for just 10–15 minutes, will make a bigger impact than infrequent, longer sessions.
Immerse yourself: Surround yourself with the language as much as possible. Watch movies or TV shows in your target language, listen to podcasts, or follow social media accounts in that language. The more exposure you have, the more you’ll absorb naturally.
Use apps to keep it fun: Language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise are great for building vocabulary and learning on the go. Many apps also have gamified elements to keep you motivated.
Find a (good) teacher: Having a teacher can help you improve faster. They can provide valuable feedback, personalised guidance, and help you to stay on track with your learning goals.
Celebrating Languages in Your Everyday Life
European Day of Languages isn’t just a celebration for polyglots (a person who knows and is able to use several languages) – it’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved! Here are a few ways you can celebrate this year:
Watch a foreign film:
Pick a film in a European language you’ve never heard before! Try watching with subtitles in the same language to improve your listening and reading skills simultaneously.
Label Household Items in a New Language:
Transform your home into a learning environment by labelling common household items with their names in the language you're learning. This simple yet effective method helps reinforce vocabulary as you encounter these items daily.
Cook a Meal Using a Recipe in Another Language:
Choose a traditional dish from a European country and find a recipe written in its native language. Not only will this expand your food-related vocabulary, but it will also immerse you in the culture and culinary traditions of that language.
Embrace the Joy of Language Learning
As we celebrate the European Day of Languages, let’s remember that language learning is more than just mastering grammar or vocabulary – it’s about connection, culture, and curiosity.
Whether you’re interested in learning a new language for travel, work, or personal enrichment, now is the perfect time to start.
What about you?
Why do you think learning a language is important for you personally? Is it for travel, work, understanding another culture, or something else?
Which European language would you love to learn, and why?
Happy European Day of Languages!
European Language Origins Quiz: Guess the Language!
1. Which European language does the word "fjord" come from?
a) Swedish
b) Norwegian
c) Danish
d) Icelandic
(Hint: This word describes a long, deep, narrow body of water, often surrounded by steep cliffs.)
2. The word "sauna" is commonly used worldwide. Which language did it originate from?
a) Finnish
b) Russian
c) Polish
d) German
(Hint: This word is associated with a traditional form of steam bathing.)
3. "Ballet" is a word often associated with dance. Do you know its language of origin?
a) French
b) Italian
c) Spanish
d) Portuguese
(Hint: This word has been adopted into many languages, but its origin is closely tied to European classical dance.)
4. Which language gave us the word "plaza"?
a) Spanish
b) Portuguese
c) Italian
d) Greek
(Hint: This word is often used to describe a public square or marketplace.)
5. The word "robot" is used in many languages to describe an automated machine. What is its language of origin?
a) Russian
b) Czech
c) German
d) Polish
(Hint: This word was first introduced in a science fiction play in the early 20th century.)
6. The word "schadenfreude" refers to the feeling of pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune. Which language does it come from?
a) Dutch
b) Yiddish
c) German
d) Swedish
(Hint: This word is often used in English, but its origin captures a unique cultural concept.)
7. "Tattoo" is a word now used around the world. Do you know which European language introduced this term to English?
a) Dutch
b) Portuguese
c) French
d) Spanish
(Hint: This word was popularised during the Age of Exploration, when European sailors encountered the practice in Polynesia.)
Answers:
b) Norwegian
a) Finnish
b) Italian
a) Spanish
b) Czech
c) German
a) Dutch
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Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching you can find her at the cricket researching new blog ideas, she also loves to cook, to travel, and to share her passion for learning with others.
