European Day of Languages 26 th September

Which are the four most widely spoken languages around the world? ChineseChinese EnglishEnglish HindustaniHindustani SpanishSpanish

The world's population is roughly 6 billion people.

One and a quarter billion people speak Chinese

550 million speak English

Hindustani speakers number 500 million

Spanish is spoken by 450 million people worldwide

So just under half the world's population speak one of those four languages

What about the other half?

Listen to this song.Listen to this song. The singer has fallen in love with a French girlThe singer has fallen in love with a French girl But he only speaks a few words of French.But he only speaks a few words of French. Perhaps he has to bring his dictionary on their date!Perhaps he has to bring his dictionary on their date!

71% of Europeans consider that everyone should know a foreign language.

In Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark, more than 85% of citizens can express themselves in another language.In Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark, more than 85% of citizens can express themselves in another language. Thats nearly nine in every ten people.Thats nearly nine in every ten people.

In Britain two out of three people (66%) can only speak English.

…which means 1 out of 3 can speak another language

What tips do you have for learning languages? Visit the country.Visit the country. Get a penpal or ePal.Get a penpal or ePal. listen to CD’s and music.listen to CD’s and music. Watch films & DVD’s.Watch films & DVD’s. Try websites.Try websites.

Foreign travel becomes easier and more enjoyable as you understand more and make new friends.

You don't have to be word perfect

People will appreciate when you make the effort to speak their language

That’s why we are celebrating the European Day of Languages today.