Foreign Language Month: Speaking Diversity
Throughout the year, celebrating foreign language learning emphasizes the power of language in connecting societies. When immersing oneself in other cultures' history, traditions, and worldviews, languages bridge cultural gaps and foster international friendships.
Whether it’s for personal or professional benefits, learn a new language this March. Read on for more encouragement.
Key Info: Learn a Foreign Language Month
- When is Learn a Foreign Language Month?
Occurs annually throughout December - This Year (2026):
Tuesday 1st - Thursday 31st December 2026 -
Future Dates
- Wednesday 1st - Friday 31st December 2027
- Friday 1st - Sunday 31st December 2028
- Saturday 1st - Monday 31st December 2029
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Additional Details
- Observed By: Educational institutions, language learners, teachers, and cultural organizations
- Where Is It Observed: United States
- Primary Theme: Language Education and Cultural Understanding
- Hashtags: #ForeignLanguageMonth #LanguageLearning #LearnALanguage #LanguageEducation #WorldLanguages #DecemberLearning
Quick links: Foreign Language Month
Why Foreign Language Month Matters
Language is a complex system of communication that allows us to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences using spoken, written, or gestural symbols. We have learned our native language in school and some were alo taught foreign languages.
How could acquiring a second language benefit us? Studying foreign languages allows us to understand and connect with people from different cultures and perspectives. Moreover, it improves a person’s critical thinking, multitasking skills, creativity, and memory.
The observance of Foreign Language Month not only shows us the benefits of learning a new language but also acknowledges the challenges learners face, such as limited resources and opportunities to practice.
In addition to culture appreciation, the month-long event also addresses the preservation of languages. We need to create a new generation of polyglots and eager multilingual students to save these languages.
Foreign Language Month advocates for changes in educational policies and practices to create a more inclusive and multilingual world.
Data and Statistics
How many languages exist in the world? According to Ethnologue, we are currently using 7,164 languages. About 44% of them are endangered due to having less than a thousand speakers.
Research indicates that bilingual people often perform better than monolingual individuals in multitasking, decision-making, and problem-solving tasks.
Statistics from the American Councils for International Education reveal that around 20% of K-12 students in the United States are enrolled in foreign language classes.
Tips to Learn Multiple Languages
- Immerse yourself in the language by watching movies or TV shows in the target language, listening to music, or using language learning apps that offer immersive experiences.
- Set aside time daily to practice the language, whether speaking, reading, writing, or listening.
- Use language learning apps and online resources that offer structured lessons, interactive exercises, and one-on-one tutoring.
- Converse with native speakers to improve your language skills. Enroll in language exchange programs, join online chat groups, or travel to a country where the language is spoken.
- Learn the culture and the language by learning about the country's history, traditions, and customs. Culture also contextualizes the language and makes it easier to remember words and phrases.
Brief Timeline of Foreign Language Month-Related Events
Alpha Mu Gamma, a national collegiate foreign language honor society, initiated the first documented National Foreign Language Week celebration in the United States. Eventually, it turned into a month-long event.
The United Nations adopted the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, emphasizing the right to education, including language education.
UNESCO adopted the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which included the protection of linguistic heritage.
The Council of Europe organized the European Day of Languages to promote language learning and cultural understanding.
The United Nations General Assembly established International Mother Language Day on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
The United Nations proclaimed the International Year of Languages to bring global attention to the importance of language learning and preservation.
The United Nations declared 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages to draw attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and the urgent need to preserve, revitalize, and promote them.
Use These Hashtags Online
- #ForeignLanguageMonth
- #LanguageLearning
- #Multilingualism
- #LanguageDiversity
- #LearnANewLanguage
Conclusion
Foreign Language Month celebrates linguistic diversity and promotes understanding through language. Speaking more than one language allows us to gain different perspectives and immerse ourselves in other cultures.
Learning other languages allows us to cultivate inclusivity and appreciate the world's linguistic and cultural diversity.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
It celebrates and promotes the importance of learning at least two languages, especially among students.
December. However, some people celebrate it in March.
It helps raise awareness about linguistic diversity, cultural understanding, and the benefits of being multilingual.
Join language-related events, learn a new language, share language resources, and celebrate different cultures.
It can improve cognitive skills, enhance career opportunities, foster cross-cultural communication, and broaden one's perspective.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
