On September 26th, the Council of Europe (CoE) will celebrate, within its 46 member states, the VI European Day of Languages. The initiative, which is the offspring of the European Year of Languages of 2001, aims at highlighting the importance of learning foreign languages throughout one’s lifetime and not just at school. "The ability to communicate in foreign languages and know different cultures is an invaluable asset and a real necessity for individuals and modern society. One can never overestimate the importance of intercultural understanding and dialogue in the light of what is happening all over the world", commented Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, coordinator for intercultural dialogue at the CoE, that developed a website for the Day, www.coe.int/JEL. Following the example of the CoE, the United States and Africa too have promoted similar events, in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
