Linguistic Diversity Celebrated in Goražde for European Day of Languages
The central event marking the European Day of Languages in Bosnia and Herzegovina took place today at the Centre for Culture in Goražde, bringing together hundreds of students eager to expand their linguistic horizons and take part in a variety of educational activities organised by the EUNIC cluster in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Europe House.
“Multilingualism is a treasure for the European Union which was founded on the principles of unity in diversity and celebration of other cultures, traditions and worldviews. We take great pride in cherishing and protecting rich heritage and occasions like European Day of Languages are of great importance to us. Languages are more than school subjects, they are keys that open doors to new people, cultures, music, films, places and opportunities. I hope today’s event will encourage schools and communities to celebrate languages and encourage language learning,” said Fermin Cordoba, programme manager in the EU in BiH.
This year’s interactive programme included fast-paced language crash courses, informal practice sessions, and resource stands. The event was organised in close cooperation with EUNIC BiH—currently presided over by the Austrian Cultural Forum—alongside the Embassies and cultural centers of France, Germany, Austria, Spain, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Norway, with support from local cantonal authorities.
“On behalf of EUNIC – the network of National Institutes for Culture of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina – I can say that we, the embassies and cultural institutions, are very happy to be here today to meet students interested in learning European languages. We all know that languages are an expression of cultural heritage, but, most importantly, languages connect people and serve as a means of overcoming linguistic and cultural differences. It is a great joy to see so many students here today on the occasion of European Language Day at the Culture Center in Goražde,” said Klara Antonia Wuketich, director of the Austrian Cultural Forum.
Adisa Alikadić-Herić, Minister of Education, Youth, Science, Culture and Sport of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde thanked the organisers for bringing the central European Day of Languages event in Goražde and said: “European Day of Languages reminds us that linguistic and cultural diversity is a great treasure. Openness towards other languages and cultures means being willing to learn from one another, understand each other better and build a society in which differences are respected and valued. Goražde is a city that knows how important it is to meet other people, how much friendship is worth, and how much can be learned when we are willing to listen to one another. That is why we believe that openness towards diversity is precisely one of the values we should especially nurture among young people.”
A key highlight of the day was the popular "speak dating" format, where students paired up to practice basic conversational skills in various European languages through short, engaging rounds. Surrounding educational stands offered tailored materials and guidance, illustrating how multilingualism enhances cognitive flexibility, intercultural empathy, and future employability in a globalized world.
The European Day of Languages celebration at the Centre for Culture in Goražde served as a reminder that languages are bridges that unite diverse communities. By sparking a passion for lifelong learning, the event inspired a new generation of local youth to embrace cultural diversity and actively participate in the wider European community.
The European Day of Languages is celebrated annually on September 26 across 46 member states of the Council of Europe to raise awareness about the importance of language learning and promote the continent's rich linguistic heritage.
For more information about the European Day of Languages, visit www.coe.int/edl.