Schools around the country are hosting the largest national foreign languages celebration event this week.
Almost 5,000 students from 70 schools across Ireland are set to participate in #ThinkLanguages 2020.
The initiative encourages students to "Think Global, Act Local" by bringing languages to life in their schools.
The festival of languages will include a range of workshops and language classes.
Launched to support a strong, growing economy while also promoting a multicultural and inclusive society, Languages Connect asserts the necessity for Irish people to learn foreign languages.
The Minister for Education will join students in a virtual launch later today.
Norma Foley said this year's theme is particularly relevant for 2020, a year in which people have all come to realise just how interconnected they are with the rest of the world and one in which people have come to know more about and appreciate what is on their doorstep.
Director of Post Primary Languages Ireland Karen Ruddock said they are "using this opportunity to open the language-learning doors to every school in Ireland".
She added: "TY students are now considering what they will study for their Leaving Certificate and beyond.
"By showing them the benefits that foreign language skills give them in their life and career, we encourage them to keep up their foreign languages and maybe even take on another language for the Leaving Certificate."
