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European Year of Languages

In the European Union, 2001 is the "European Year of Languages". The EU wants to protect language diversity and to promote language learning.

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From England to Finland, Germany to Portugal, Europeans are communicating with one another across national and linguistic borders. In fact, just over half of all Europeans claim they can speak at least one foreign language. And nearly 70 percent say learning another language is important for the future of Europe.

In order to encourage this positive trend, the European Union and the Council of Europe have proclaimed the year 2001 as the European Year of Languages.

Find out more about the European Year of Language and some of the studies conducted on foreign language learning. Which country has the highest percentage of foreign language learners? Which languages are most frequently taught? Which languages are in danger of fading out, and which languages are becoming fashionable? Where do people speak Manx, Sorbish or "Denglish"?

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Foreign Language Learning in Germany

There is no limit to the number of foreign languages a child is capable of learning. The key is to start young.
October 15, 2001

Foreign Language Learning in Europe

Whether you'd like to order your pizza in Italian when in Rome, or just want to understand the locals in a strange country, speaking a foreign language is fun.
November 18, 2001

"Denglish": A German-English Mixture

Throughout history, the German language has always incorporated foreign words and phrases. These days, most new words are English.
October 19, 2001

Language Diversity in Europe

More and more people in Europe speak English as their first or second language. Now some of the lesser-spoken regional languages are in danger of dying out.
October 15, 2001

Sorbian - A Minority Language in Germany

The Sorbs in the eastern parts of Germany are proud of their unique culture - it includes specific customs, music, and a special language.
October 19, 2001