French Institute opens Azerbaijani language faculty

The French Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO) opened the Azerbaijan language faculty on 7 November. First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony, reports Day.Az with reference to AzerTac.

The Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO) is located in Paris, France. It was founded in 1795 under the French Revolution and is now one of the country`s Grands ?tablissements with a specialization in African, Asian, East European, Oceanian languages and civilizations. It is often colloquially called Langues O (pronounced "lang-zo"), an abbreviation for "Langues Orientales".

Over 90 languages are taught at the INALCO, covering Asian, African, eastern European, South Pacific, Finno-Ugric and Native American languages. INALCO offers beginner classes as well as Master and PhD courses. The INALCO is the French partner of the British SOAS which now teaches mainly Asian and African languages.

The Azerbaijani language faculty was opened in the Eurasia department.
At the INALCO, the Azeri language has been taught since 1999. Prior to the opening ceremony, First Lady of Azerbaijan met with the Rector of Institute Prof. Jacques Legrand. The parties stressed importance of this landmark event estimating this as a historical step for development of bilateral relations between two countries.

Speaking at the event to mark the occasion Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her gratitude for the care for Azerbaijani language and culture. She said “opening of the faculty of Azerbaijani language in INALCO will create an opportunity 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.”

Mehriban Aliyeva pointed out setting up the faculty of the Azerbaijani language in INALCO would make a significant contribution to bilateral cooperation. She wished successes to INALCO`s stuff.

Ms. Aliyeva donated to the Faculty more than 400 books published in Azerbaijan. She also invited the INALCO`s employees to her country.

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. They also thanked the First Lady 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.

/Day.Az/