International Year of Languages

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, pursuant to a resolution of UNESCO.[1] The resolution also reaffirmed the need to achieve full parity among the six official languages on United Nations websites.

Origination

The Year was intended to address issues of linguistic diversity (in the context of cultural diversity), respect for all languages, and multilingualism. The resolution also discussed language issues in the United Nations itself.[2]

UNESCO was charged with coordinating observance of the Year, and officially launched it on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2008.[3]

Observances

In addition to official events run by UNESCO, various national, academic and non-governmental organizations sponsored events, websites, and other observances of the IYL. The UNESCO website has a list of projects submitted by individuals and organizations.

References
  1. United Nations General Assembly Session 61 Resolution 266. A/RES/61/266 page 4. 16 May 2007. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  2. Crystal. David. 2007. "What do we do with an International Year of Languages?" Paper to Unescocat, Barcelona, European Day of Languages, 26 September 2007 Archived 16 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  3. "UNESCO, "Message from Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, on the celebration of 2008, International Year of Languages," Date Added: 2007-11-05 9:44 am; Updated: 2007-12-19 2:40 pm". Archived from the original on 2008-08-15. Retrieved 2008-08-15.

See also

Bibliography
  • Jostes, Brigitte (2012): Anno 2008: Internationales Sprachenjahr und internationale Fragen der sprachlichen Bildung. In: PhiN 60, 14-47.
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