November 7, 2008

Mehriban Aliyeva attends opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani Language Faculty at the French Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales

The French Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO) in Paris opened the Azerbaijani Language Faculty on 7 November. First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.

 

The Youth Language School founded in 1669 in the time of King XIV Loudovique of France was granted the status of institute in XX century. After WWII the number of languages taught at the institute was lifted up to 50. The Institute that has been operating since 1971 under the present title was under the 3rd Paris University and since 1985 it is independent. Over 90 languages are taught to more than 11.000 students at the INALCO, covering Asian, African, eastern European, South Pacific, Finno-Ugric and Native American languages, geography, history, politics, economic and public life. Nearly 1500 subjects are taught at the Institute. The Azerbaijani Language Faculty was opened in the Eurasia department.

 

At the INALCO, the Azeri language has been taught since 1999 as the voluntary subject. Lessons are given in 2 groups – for 1-3rd year students and in degree ‘Licence’. About 15-20 students yearly study 40 hours of Azerbaijani language in the first group.

 

Prior to the opening ceremony, the First Lady of Azerbaijan met with Rector of Institute Prof. Jacques Legrand.

 

The parties stressed importance of this landmark event estimating this as a historical step for development of cultural, educational and humanitarian cooperation between two countries.

 

Opening the ceremony bringing together the French public, staff of the Institute and reps of Azeri diaspora Jacques Legrand said this ceremony is based on good cornerstones. The event in which we are present today will always remain in the century-old history of the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales. We attach special importance to realization of this initiative. This event is the bright sign of partnership and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Institute.

 

Speaking at the event Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her gratitude for the care for Azerbaijani language and culture. She said: “There is no other institute in the world teaching 90 languages. I feel pride that the Azerbaijani Language Faculty is opened at this higher education center with rich traditions.

 

Opening of the faculty of Azerbaijani language in INALCO will create an opportunity in France to get more information about Azerbaijan`s history. At the same time, I think this event will give a great impetus to deepening relations between our countries, our peoples, establishment of goodwill, cultural dialogue. For centuries, language has been playing an unprecedented role in forming nations, peoples. Azerbaijani nation also has very ancient and rich history and culture. As an independent state Azerbaijan is too young. Safeguarding our Azerbaijani language we have protected our traditions, national and moral values, our origins. Of course, every language develops, is enriched with new phrases, new terms. But we should not forget that the language is very valuable cultural and historical monument.”

 

Mehriban Aliyeva stressed relations between France and Azerbaijan enlarge and cover political, economic, energy and cultural spheres.

 

- There is huge attention and respect in Azerbaijan for French culture, history and language. French language has been taught in Azerbaijan for over a century. French language and literature is taught as specialization subject at 7 higher schools in Azerbaijan. Over 70,000 pupils at secondary schools study French language as foreign language.

 

Mehriban Aliyeva pointed out setting up the faculty of the Azerbaijani language in INALCO would make a significant contribution to bilateral cooperation, noting huge importance of creation of the Faculty at this institute serving as a bridge between West and East.

 

Wishing success to the staff of INALCO Mrs Aliyeva donated to the Faculty more than 400 books published in Azerbaijan. She also invited the INALCO`s employees to her country. 

 

Expressing gratitude for the present Rector Jacques Legrand said books will be important means in study of Azerbaijani language. H much appreciated our country, underlined actions of Heydar Aliyev Foundation in field of culture and education. The rector mentioned his institute serves as the bridge among different nations. Azerbaijan has also served as bridge along the history between West and East. He said Baku had a special place in heart of figures of literature of different nations and this institute functions as the protector of cultural heritage too.

 

Addressing the event Azerbaijani language teacher of the Institute Jil Otye said he yearly pays 3-month visit to Azerbaijan and studies languages of small nations living here. While studying Gyryz, Budyg and Khynalyg languages he was closely familiarized with culture, history and literature of our country and came to the conclusion that the nicest language in the world is spoken on the coasts of Caspian Sea, at the intersection of Kur and Araz rivers. J.Otye thanked Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva for her contributions to realization of this mission.

 

Jil Otye said: There is a nice asphalt road in Khynalyg. New school has been built in every village. This September, I witnessed 10 new computers at the new school of a small village in Guba district and 3000 new books at its library. Dear Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, this new school was opened by You in June. You set construction of a new school in that village, even if it is too small, as the necessary task. Then, most diligent university students and graduates were sent abroad due to support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and under Your patronage. Lastly, today You came here to visit our ancient higher school in the center of far Paris and help teachers of Azerbaijani language. I hope the new teacher to be appointed for teaching of Azerbaijani language at INALCO will deserve this big and necessary duty.   

 

During their conversation with Mehriban Aliyeva the event`s high-level guests described the Faculty`s opening in INALCO as an important event in terms of Azerbaijan`s popularization in France, the cultural center of Europe. They also thanked the First Lady of Azerbaijan for her initiative.

 

Rector of Baku Branch of Moscow State University Nargiz Pashayeva, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Tarik Aliyev and Permanent Delegate of Azerbaijan to UNESCO Eleonora Huseynova were present at the event.