Each 26th of September, in Europe we celebrate the European Day of languages The European Year of Languages 2001, jointly organised by the Council of Europe and the European Union, was successful in involving millions of people across 45 participating countries Its activities celebrated linguistic diversity in Europe and promoted language learning The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are: Alerting the public to the importance of language learning and diversifying the range of languages learnt in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding; Promoting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, which must be preserved and fostered; Encouraging lifelong language learning in and out of school, whether for study purposes, for professional needs, for purposes of mobility or for pleasure and exchanges 26 September 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the European Day of Languages (EDL) celebrated at the Council of Europe and throughout its 47 member states And remember we all speak a language and we need to feel proud of it We’re not a generation, we’re the generation Europe needs us and we all need Europe READING COMPREHENSION 1) Which are the most important objectives of this day? 2) Do you think Europe has a rich linguistic variety? Why? Why not? 3) Which should be the main reasons for studying a language? 4) How many languages you speak? SPEAKING- GOOD/BAD REASONS TO LEARN A LANGUAGES In pairs you are going to discuss about the good/bad reasons for learning a language You have to give examples and of course, give extra information about your viewpoint