A planet without biodiversity is a dead planet. What can be said about a world without linguistic and cultural diversity?
What is the Language Biennial?
The Language Biennial is a meeting place for languages and the questions they raise. Held every two years, it highlights the diversity of languages and cultures, as well as those involved in multilingual, creative, scientific or civic initiatives.
As vectors of connection, catalysts for creation and sensitivity, and witnesses to our imaginations, languages constantly question us about the world and speak volumes: Can everything be translated? Do we truly master a language? And what is your language worth? …
One of our objectives is to ensure that audiences feel welcome and can express themselves, learn and exchange ideas about their relationship with the languages of their lives and the world.
The Biennale therefore aims to be inspiring, artistic, participatory, fruitful, open, collective, civic-minded, generous, playful and dynamic!
Who is the Language Biennial?
The Biennale is organised by Caravane des dix mots, a Lyon-based association which, for 20 years, has been bringing together artists, researchers, activists, community leaders, residents and curious minds around artistic initiatives, with the aim of creating resonance between the French language and the languages of the world.
The Language Biennial team: Thierry Auzer, president and director of the Caravane des dix mots • Romain Bethoule • Anne Cognet • Mathilde Delarue • Samuel Harvet, cultural project manager • Michel Kneubühler, lecturer at Lumière-Lyon 2 University and cultural policy consultant • Egidio Marsico, researcher in charge of scientific mediation, Maison des Sciences de l’Homme Lyon-Saint-Etienne, Lumière Lyon 2 University • Didier Martin, educational speaker • Christine Perego, educational co-coordinator • Serge Sana • Andrea Scoccia • Justine Souque • Cécile Vesin, librarian, in charge of the Biennale’s pop-up bookshop.
Volunteers: the Biennale could not take place without the commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers!
The Language Biennial is a place for people to meet and learn about the diversity of languages and cultures, showcasing the cultural and linguistic richness that surrounds us. This unique event takes an artistic, fun and popular approach to languages, bringing together specialists and enthusiasts, children and adults, residents and visitors from the region, France and around the world. For this third edition, which will take place in May 2026 in the courtyard of the Centre Berthelot, the programme will include shows, workshops, round tables, open stages, conferences, language games, art installations, a pop-up bookshop… and much more!
La Caravane des dix mots, organiser of the Biennale des langues, needs your help to bring this unique event to life. Welcoming the public and speakers, providing logistical support, helping to run activities for the public, and promoting and communicating the event are just some of the tasks you could be involved in.
Volunteers talk about it…
“Being a volunteer at the Language Biennial means being at the heart of the action, welcoming celebrities, artists and primary school classes, and going from a mini Turkish lesson to a round table discussion on language discrimination before an Afro DJ set!”
Didier, retired
3rd Language Biennial: 26 to 31 May 2026
The Language Biennial is a meeting place for languages and the questions they raise. Held every two years, it highlights the diversity of languages and cultures, as well as those involved in multilingual, creative, scientific or civic initiatives.
Nous avons souhaité placer cette troisième édition de la Biennale des langues sous le signe de l’audace et du courage, les deux sens du verbe oser.
De l’audace et du courage il en faut parfois pour oser apprendre, oser se rencontrer, oser (se) raconter, oser partager, oser parler. La parole est parfois empêchée, confisquée, autocensurée parce qu’on pense qu’on ne parle pas assez bien, pas comme il faut, pas la bonne langue, pas avec le bon accent, trop ou trop peu … Croyances qui divisent chaque jour davantage dans notre monde en perpétuel mouvement et mutations.
Cette troisième édition donnera la parole à des comédien·ne·s, des écrivain·e·s, des cinéastes, des poètes, des plasticien·ne·s, des linguistes, des ethnologues et autres scientifiques, des habitant·e·s du territoire, des élèves, à toutes celles et ceux qui font vivre la diversité linguistique et culturelle. Elle mettra en avant les projets participatifs qui invitent à l’action et favorisent les rencontres de tous les publics en (mé)tissant les savoirs formels et informels, les approches artistiques et académiques. Au programme : des journées professionnelles, des ateliers, des expositions, des conférences, des tables rondes, des lectures, des spectacles, des rencontres, des concerts, des plateaux radio en direct et aussi une programmation pensée pour les plus jeunes.
Let us dare to create a Biennale that leaves its mark on the arts, media, politics, institutions and science. A Biennale that spreads its wings and sows seeds to continue developing a network of contemporary actors capable of deconstructing stereotypes and tensions, but also inhibitions.
Come to the Language Biennial and join in lively discussions on these serious topics that concern us all. Come and make languages sing.
Biennale 2024 – A look back in pictures
