The UN General Assembly recently proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages. See: UN Press Release http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/ga10592.doc.htm "UN proclaims 2008 as Year of Languages" (EuroLang) http://www.eurolang.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2879&Itemi d=1&lang=en