European Day of Languages celebrations in the Helsinki region in 2023

For over 20 years, the European Day of Languages has been commemorated on 26 September to celebrate the benefits and joy of knowing languages and to encourage people to learn and use them.

In Finland, the European Commission Representation organises a number of European Day of Languages events on 26 and 27 September together with several EU embassies and language institutes in Finland, as well as with Oodi Helsinki Cental Library, the Svenska nu network, the Federation of Foreign Language Teachers in Finland SUKOL, the Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters and the Nordic Culture Point.

Welcome!

26 September 9.30 am–12.30 pm and 1.30–3.30 pm: Language Café in Oodi, Helsinki (FULLY BOOKED)

Hi language teacher! Bring your students along and come and familiarise yourselves with a range of European languages in our Language Café! The café takes place on Tuesday, 26 September, from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and again from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm in Oodi Central Library in Helsinki, right across the EU@Oodi information point on the ground floor of the library.

During your visit, you and your pupils get a taste of several European languages and countries in a playful way. You even get a chance to try simultaneous interpretation in a real interpreter booth with the help of professional interpreters.

The visit takes just over an hour and is free of charge. The event is aimed for grades 7−9 and upper secondary schools.

26 September 4.30−5.30 pm: Poetry recital in different European languages in Oodi, Helsinki

Recital of one of the Nobel Prize winning Polish poet Maria Wisława Anna Szymborska’s (1923−2012) poems in official languages of the EU as well as in the original language, Polish.

In cooperation with the European Commission Representation, the Embassy of Poland in Finland organises this poetry recital, which takes place on the Saarikoski-matto on the third floor of Oodi Central Library in Helsinki, on Tuesday, 26 September, from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

The event is free of charge and open for all.

26 September at 5.30 pm: Panel discussion on the influence of other languages on Finnish in Oodi, Helsinki

Are you curious about different loanwords and newly coined words in Finnish? Do you want to know more about the influence various languages have had – and continue to have – on the Finnish language? If so, head for the Saarikoski-matto on the third floor of Oodi Central Library in Helsinki on Tuesday, 26 September, at 5.30 pm, where experts will share their views on the topic and answer your questions.

Roman Schatz, a journalist with German roots, moderates the panel discussion. The panellists will be confirmed in the summer. The discussion will be held in Finnish.

The event is free of charge and open for all.

27 September at 6 pm: Multilingual European Day of Languages concert in Hanasaari, Espoo

Do you like languages and music? Perfect, then you will love this swinging multilingual concert organised by the European Commission Representation in Finland together with several EU embassies and language institutes in Finland, as well as with the Svenska nu network!

How does, for example, jazz and traditional songs in different European languages, a Czech choir with a bagpipe, or an Irish band performing in Irish sound? In Swedish, Finnish and English we will get to enjoy wonderful songs sung by Tomas and Maria Höglund accompanied by piano.

The concert is free of charge and open for all, but you must sign up beforehand. The registration opens on Monday, 14 August, at 10 am. Note that the registration is on a first come, first served basis!

Sign up here: https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/Euroopan_kielten_paiva_Hanasaaressa_7868