28th September in Sismanoglio Megaro: European Day of Languages

You are never too old to learn a language and to enjoy the opportunities it opens up! This is the motto of the 12 cultural institutes and consular missions in Istanbul that will celebrate together, on the 28th of September, the European Day of Languages 2013.

The event is held for the 4th consecutive time in Sismanoglio Megaro of the Consulate General of Greece. It includes “taster courses” in the languages of the participating institutes, fun language games and activities, a “treasure hunt” in the historic district of Pera, traditional dance courses (from Greek hasapiko, to tango, Slovak polka and Austrian waltz), an exclusive interactive performance by the body percussion group KeKeÇa and many more surprises for children and grown-ups alike. Check out snapshots from last year here:




This year's participants include the Austrian Cultural Forum, the Consulate General of Greece, the Consulate General of the Slovak Republic, the Consulate General of Sweden, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic, the Dimitrie Cantemir Romanian Cultural Institute, the Goethe-Institut, the Institut Français, the Cervantes Institute, the Italian Institute of Culture, the Consulate General of Switzerland and Concept Languages (Turkish language).

Joining creative forces with Pera Fest! This year’s 12th International Pera Fest, an interdisciplinary arts and culture festival, taking place between the dates 23rd September – 2nd October 2013 in Beyoğlu, will devote one full day of its’ program to The European Day of Languages 2013 in Sismanoglio Megaro.

Venue: Sismanoglio Megaro, Consulate General of Greece, İstiklal Cad. No. 60, Beyoğlu

Date&Time: Saturday, 28th September 2013, 12.00 – 18.00 hrs

Background note: At the initiative of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, the European Day of Languages has been celebrated every year since 2001 on 26th September. Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans represented in the Council of Europe's 47 member states are encouraged to learn more languages, at any age, in and out of school. On the occasion of the day, a range of events are organized across Europe: activities for and with children, television and radio programs, language classes and conferences.

Why a European Day of Languages? There have never been more opportunities to work or study in a different European country -but lack of language competence prevents many people from taking advantage of them. Globalisation and patterns of business ownership mean that citizens increasingly need foreign language skills to work effectively within their own countries. Europe is rich in languages -there are over 200 European languages and many more spoken by citizens whose family origin is from other continents. This is an important resource to be recognized, used and cherished. Learning other peoples' languages is a way of helping us to understand each other better and overcome our cultural differences. Visit the official site of EDL to find out more: http://edl.ecml.at/

Pictures and graphics can be downloaded from our page on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sismanoglio/sets/72157634771443595/