Speaker of the Seimas extends her congratulations on the European Day of Languages

Press release, 26 September 2023

Photo by the Office of the Seimas

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, says that in today’s global world, it would be really difficult to do without languages, as they are more than just a means of communication, enabling us to covey our thoughts and understand each other. Both as individuals and as a community or nation, we also use language to express our identity and culture.

According to the Speaker of the Seimas, the European Union promotes multilingualism, which represents one of the EU’s key principles. Multilingualism means, above all, communicating with citizens in their mother tongues, encouraging them to learn Europe’s languages, and preserving linguistic diversity.

‘Multilingualism helps people to communicate as well as understand and get to know each other better. Learning about people who are different from us promotes respect and tolerance. Multilingual people are more open to the world. They have a broader outlook, more opportunities to choose from, and more prospects on the horizon. I have an opportunity to meet with students and youth organisations. They often speak at least one foreign language in addition to their mother tongue. On the occasion of the European Day of Languages, I hope that everyone, not just young people, will engage in both learning and exploring, because languages and knowledge liberate people, open up incredible opportunities for them, and bring people of different nationalities closer together!’ the Speaker of the Seimas says.

Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson for Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6030, mob. +370 698 42 071, e-mail: [email protected], www.lrs.lt