Over 200 languages
There are over 200 indigenous languages in Europe – that sounds like a lot but it’s actually only about 3% of the world’s total of 6000-7000.
More than half of Europe is bilingual
According to an EU survey, 54% of EU citizens speak another language, 25% speak two foreign languages (high five!).
It’s all about German…
German is the most widely-spoken mother tongue (18 percent), followed by English and Italian (both 13 percent), and French (12 percent).
…and the language skills of Londoners
European cities are the perfect place to observe this multilingual diversity in its natural habitat: In London, for example, over 300 languages are spoken!
Russia is a linguistic powerhouse
The record holder of most languages spoken on its own territory is Russia: Depending on the criteria used, 130 – 200 different languages are spoken there.
But English still rules
English is the front-runner among EU countries; it’s considered the most useful language, followed by French and German.
One of the greatest things about living in Europe is that so many other languages and cultures are only a few hours away. From immersion to practicing your language skills with locals and discovering a new culture – it’s just so easy and convenient. Another language is (literally) around the corner, and that alone is a reason to celebrate today.
So let’s raise our glasses for European Language Day and drink to the beautiful diversity that unites us: Živeli! Nazdrave! Na zdraví! Skål! Proost! Cheers! Tervist! Kippis! Santé ! Prosit! Stin iyá su! Kedves egészségére! Sláinte! Salute! Uz veselību! Į sveikatą! Evviva! Na zdrowie! Viva! Noroc! Na zdravie! Živijo! ¡Salud!
Smart Zvornik 