SCIENCE AND EDUCATION
AZERBAIJAN`s FRENCH AMBASSADOR VISITS INALCO
Paris, March 27 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijan`s Ambassador in Paris Elchin Amirbayov has visited the Institute of oriental languages and civilizations, INALCO, where he met its rector Jacques Legrand.
The Ambassador gave an interview to AZERTAC`s Paris-based correspondent about his visit to the institute and meeting with the rector.
The following are excerpts from the interview:
“It was a familiarization visit. We discussed prospects for cooperation with the institute. Mr. Jacques Legrand highly praised INALCO`s cooperation with Azerbaijan. He said he visited Azerbaijan and was impressed by what he saw in the country which has ancient history and rich culture.”
“During the meeting we mostly discussed the activity of the department of Azerbaijani language at INALCO, which was inaugurated with participation of Azerbaijan`s first lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva.”
“Ninety languages, including Azerbaijani are taught in the institute. But, unfortunately, the languages are not taught on the same level here. And our major goal is to improve and strengthen the teaching of Azerbaijani. The teaching process must feature not only linguistic aspects of our language, but also historical and cultural characteristics of Azerbaijan. We proposed that the institute review its teaching program.
“And rector Mr. Legrand showed positive attitude towards our proposal and agreed to visit Azerbaijan once again for concrete discussions. Now our embassy and the institute are working together to fix the date of Mr. Legrand`s visit.”
“It gives us great pleasure that Azerbaijani language has been taught for more than ten years in Paris, one of the largest European cities and the world`s cradle of culture.”
“At first, Azerbaijani language was taught in the institute in an unorganized manner. And including it in the official teaching program has been an extremely important step. But, of course, we must not stop on this. And cooperation between the institute and the Azerbaijani side is of essence here.”