Europe takes action to open the doors to communication between citizens

Is ioma∅ doras a oscla∅onn teanga" or "Languages open doors" is the motto of the European Year of Languages, which was launched on February 13th this year.

The State received €146,064 in EU funding "chun na doirse a oscailt" via a number of language projects this year. The projects were co-funded by the Government, which was required to match or top the EU funding for each project carried out during the year.

All of the projects had the dual aims of raising awareness of Europe's rich linguistic and cultural diversity and encouraging lifelong language learning.

The first major project to hit the road was the language bus, a 50-seater bus which toured cities and counties, north and south of the Border, during Adult Language Learners' Week from May 5th to 11th, promoting languages spoken, taught and used in Ireland.

The biggest project of the year, due to start within the next two weeks, almost missed its pre-Christmas deadline.

Main Street Europe, a project to recreate the sights and sound of different European countries in Kildare town, was originally planned to take place from September to December, but difficulties in securing the funding to match the €70,000 from the EU led to a significant delay.

The "administrative problems" on the Irish side were sorted out last week, according to Marie Heraughty, project officer for the year of languages in Ireland, and the Kildare Education Centre, is preparing to get the project up and running.

"The project has long-term possibilities. It will be continued on into the New Year, possibly with a mobile element."

The replica main street will include a post office, internet cafe, tourist office and shops, all of which will be decorated in the style of an individual European country and staffed by speakers of that particular language.

The European Day of Languages on September 26th was another major event. The day was marked by a celebration in Dublin Castle attended by President McAleese. The day of languages is the project "most likely to become a national event", says Heraughty.

Other smaller projects such as the Web of Words to promote lesser-used languages, also received funding during the year. Several EU co-funded language projects are also being promoted by LΘargas on an on-going basis.

"I would like to think the year would leave a worthwhile legacy," says Joan Williams, national co-ordinator of the year of languages.

The Minister for Education, Michael Woods, says he is an "enthusiastic supporter" of the European Year of Languages.

"We need the people of individual European countries to value their own distinctive heritage and at the same time accord equal respect to the identity and culture of all." The year was a "recognised success in Ireland", he says.