European Year of Languages

Special stamp

On 17 January 2001 Finland issued a special stamp in honor of the European Year of Languages 2001, to be celebrated by the entire continent.

Partial close-up of a female face

The pictorial subject is a partial close-up of a female face. Her mouth is the centre of interest. The objective of the design is to convey the feeling that the woman is speaking directly to the person looking at the stamp. Various language versions of the emblem of the year flicker on a blue background.
Ms Susanna Rumpu and Mr Ari Lakaniemi, the designers of the stamp, depict a Finnish woman, well versed in languages, routinely using and studying them, and thriving in a variety of language environments.

European Union and the Council of Europe

The European Year of Languages is being organised jointly by the European Union and the Council of Europe. UNESCO will also play an active role. The aim of the theme year is to celebrate linguistic diversity, and to increase the appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity among Europeans. The theme year will be celebrated in 47 countries.

Postage stamp in detail

Issue date: 17 January 2001.
Value: 1st class.
Design: Susanna Rumpu and Ari Lakaniemi.
Perforation: 13.25 x 13.25.
Print: Offset by Joh. Enschedé Security Printers.