At a recent reception to mark International Languages Day, students from local secondary schools were invited to the Townhall in Enniskillen and given the opportunity to speak about their language learning experiences and to tell others a little about the languages they are learning.

Pupils from Mount lourdes, Portora, Collegiate and Devenish College attended.

A spokeswoman from Fermanagh District Council points out: “Language provision has changed in Fermanagh in recent years with educational institutions and local people sharing their linguistic knowledge, not only of the more traditional languages such as French and German but also Polish, Irish, Danish and Mandarin.

“However, language learning is not simply for the young. The reception also highlighted those who now live and work in Fermanagh and who may be learning English.” Chairman of the Council Bert Johnston emphasised the importance of languages in the cultural diversity of Fermanagh and commented: “Through this celebration we hope to alert the people of Fermanagh to the importance of language learning. Languages are crucial in building relationships within our own communities and also between our county and other places in the world. We hope to continue to encourage the expansion of the range of languages learnt and spoken in Fermanagh.” The Reception at the Townhall, in celebration of language learning, was held on the same day that Fermanagh District Council’s Languages Programme started. Free classes for adult Irish and English language learners will be held in the Intec Centre, Enniskillen every Thursday night from 7pm onwards. These free classes are part of Fermanagh District Council’s Good Relations Programme and are organised by Assistant Good Relations Officer, Fiona Crudden.

Commenting on the language classes, Fiona Crudden said: “We are delighted to offer people in Fermanagh the opportunity to take part in free English and Irish language classes and I would encourage those interested in participating to take this opportunity to learn another language”.

If you are interested in taking part in the language classes, please contact Fiona Crudden on 028 6632 5050 or by email at fiona.crudden@fermanagh.gov.uk