Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania, reflects on the power of language to preserve European diversity and foster solidarity on the European Day of Languages.
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| Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda celebrates the European Day of Languages, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity for European unity and democracy. |
Vilnius, Lithuania - September 26, 2024:
The European Day of Languages, celebrated annually on September 26, highlights the rich linguistic and cultural diversity that is central to Europe’s identity. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda’s message on this occasion reflects a profound understanding of the role language plays in fostering unity and democracy. Quoting Mikalojus Daukša, a prominent Lithuanian humanist from the 16th century, Nausėda emphasizes that language is not only the foundation of national identity but also a key pillar of European cohesion. Daukša’s words, written in the preface of the first Lithuanian book, resonate strongly with the core values of the European Day of Languages—namely, the celebration of diversity through linguistic preservation and promotion.
Linguistic diversity is seen as the root of Europe’s cultural richness, uniting different nations under shared principles while respecting their unique identities. This diversity, from small, lesser-spoken languages to widely used ones, forms the foundation for European unity. Nausėda highlights the importance of respect for all languages, which in turn fosters solidarity and democracy. By cherishing linguistic diversity, Europe sustains its democratic fabric, as language serves as a medium for mutual understanding and collaboration.
Moreover, Nausėda ties the celebration of languages to a broader vision of democracy and freedom. The ability to understand and speak multiple languages enables Europeans to better navigate shared challenges and forge collective solutions. In today’s interconnected world, linguistic learning is not just a tool for communication but a means of building solidarity and ensuring that each individual contributes to a shared future.
In essence, the European Day of Languages, as Nausėda eloquently states, is a celebration of Europe’s diversity, democracy, and the ability to coexist harmoniously through the appreciation of different languages. It is a reminder that language is not merely a tool for communication but a fundamental aspect of citizenship and unity in Europe.