September may seem a long way off at the moment, but already businesses, schools and community groups are being encouraged to plan their European Day of Languages activities.

EDL is held each year on 26 September to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. Over 45 European countries regularly get involved in the festivities to celebrate over 6000 languages!

So why not join in?

There are many ways in which your business can not only celebrate the European Day of Languages but also use it as the inspiration for setting language goals. 

Why not get your employees involved in the festivities by:

• Holding a themed coffee morning or breakfast – say in German, Italian or Spanish
• Organising a salsa class to run during lunchtime
• Inviting an expert to run a language and culture workshop
• Planning a foreign film festival
• Organising a European quiz with tapas
• Answering the phone in different languages
• Sending an e-mail greeting to your customers in their own language
• Investigating opportunities for international work placements
• Organising an away day focusing on multicultural issues
• Learning key words and phrases in British Sign Language

Basically, it is up to you how you mark the occasion but if you have any interest or experience of overseas trade or working with foreign colleagues it seems a shame to let this opportunity to learn more pass you by.

The Council of Europe has a website dedicated to EDL where you can browse the events taking place and register details of your own activities.