30/09/2026
~ An ode to the value of languages ~
On the occasion of the European Day of Languages on the 26th September, members of the SEA-EU Team at Kiel University reflect on what languages mean to them and give you 7 reasons to learn a new language.
Swipe to read all! Number 6 will surprise you!
You can also read the full article on our webpage!
And don't forget to check our "NEWS and EVENTS" overview!
Which languages do you speak and what languages would you like to speak? Let us know in the comments!!
1. A key to a new world
Speaking a second language fluently may be unusual for an English-speaking Brit, but it’s the norm for many in Europe and across the globe. My SEA-EU colleague Katrin Käis who grew up in Estonia speaks at least four languages fluently – English, German, Estonian and Russian - although over the years she’s learnt many more (Finnish, Swedish, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Hindi, Portuguese, Chinese and more?). “For me a language is a key to open a door,” she says. “Coming from a small country, being able to speak other languages meant I could communicate with neighbouring communities as well as family members who lived abroad. Language skills essentially open up a world of job and travel opportunities”. Being able to speak several languages has become an integral part of her personal and career path. Fostering and protecting multilinguism, a term referring to multiple languages being spoken in any given region, is indeed a policy priority of the EU. Language learning is seen as an integral element of education and life-long learning, leading to personal fulfilment, improved job opportunities, and increased cultural understanding, inclusion and social cohesion. There are 24 official languages in the EU, so take your pick! My son tells me that being bilingual he has access to a whole other world of culture, music, and books that he might not otherwise have had. After all, streaming services, ebooks and podcasts make it easy to access and consume foreign films and books. Dive into a new world with a new language.
Quote by Katrin Käis
2. Develop intercultural competence
I’ve been fortunate to work in international teams my entire career
