Linguistic Diversity celebrated in Zenica for European Day of Languages

Linguistic Diversity celebrated in Zenica for European Day of Languages

The central event of European Day of Languages celebration was held today in Zenica in the presence of hundreds of students eager to expand their language knowledge and enjoy a fun filled day with numerous activities prepared by the EUNIC cluster in BiH in cooperation with Europe House and EU Office in BiH.

"The European Union was founded as a peace project, and the best way to achieve prosperity and stability on our continent is through greater understanding of the diverse cultures of the continent. The European Union has 24 official languages, and even though it is virtually impossible to learn them all, every language is a door to new ways of understanding the world and ourselves. I am proud that the EU is supporting language learning and cultural exchange across our continent, including through our landmark educational programme Erasmus+ which is also open to young people from BiH," highlighted Ferdinand Koenig, Head of Communications and Spokesperson of the EU in BiH.

This year's programme in the form of educational and entertaining language classes and crash courses, as well as the educational and informative stands, is realized in cooperation with the EUNIC network and the Embassies of France and the French Institute, the Embassy of Germany and the Goethe Institute, the Embassy of Austria and the Austrian Cultural Institute, as well as the embassies of Spain, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Greece and Hungary as well as the Pedagogical Institute and the Faculty of Philosophy from Zenica.

On behalf of EUNIC BiH that Goethe Institute is currently presiding over, Simone Voigt, director of the Institute thanked the participants and wished a warm welcome to Zenica. "Zenica is a truly excellent host. The Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Zenica is our long-standing partner, and three foreign languages ​​are taught there. The Goethe-Institute also has a signed cooperation agreement with the Pedagogical Institute of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, thanks to which it was possible to easily invite 19 primary and 9 secondary schools from Zenica. I would like to thank you very much for that! We are particularly pleased that a total of 470 students registered to participate in the European Day of Languages ​​- this makes us extremely happy," underlined Voigt.

Throughout the event, educational and informative stands offered resources on language learning, showcasing the importance of multilingualism in today's globalized world. Attendees learned about the cognitive, cultural, and economic benefits of speaking multiple languages, reinforcing the idea that language is a vital tool for understanding and connecting with others.

"Language is much more than the words we speak. It is the guardian of our identity, heritage and tradition. I wish everyone a happy European Language Day with the message that we cherish our mother tongue, but also bravely step into the world of other languages ​​- because it is precisely in this diversity that our greatest wealth lies," remarked Aida Salkic, director of the Pedagogical Institute Zenica.

Alica Arnaut, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Zenica, on behalf of the host institution thanked the participants on their dedication to the promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity. "The European Day of Languages reminds us each year of the richness that languages bring, not only as tools of communication, but as bearers of identity, culture, memory, and human experience. Languages do not divide us, they connect us. Every new language we learn is a new window into the world," Arnaut stated.

The celebration of European Day of Languages in Zenica served as a powerful reminder of the richness that languages bring as well as inspiration for future generations to embrace linguistic diversity and become active participants in the European community.

The European Day of Languages ​​is traditionally celebrated on September 26 in the 47 member countries of the Council of Europe, where through a series of activities attention is drawn to the importance of knowing foreign languages ​​and the rich linguistic and cultural diversity in Europe. For more information about the European Day of Languages: https://www.coe.int/edl