The XVI International Forum "Dialogue of Languages and Cultures of the CIS" in Dushanbe

The XVI International Forum "Dialogue of Languages and Cultures of the CIS" took place in Dushanbe, the Republic of Tajikistan, from November 14 to 17. The forum was organized and conducted jointly by Moscow State Linguistic University and the Tajik National University.

The theme for discussion this year was "Formation of an Innovative Humanitarian Space of the CIS and the Role of the Russian Language in the Conditions of Multilingualism and Interculturality."

The forum was attended by over 400 representatives from universities of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Moldova, and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The opening plenary session was held by Irina Kraeva, the rector of Moscow State Linguistic University. In her speech, the rector focused on the linguocultural aspects of internationalization, particularly highlighting the potential of the Russian language in the field of humanitarian cooperation and its current status as a language of interethnic communication in the CIS countries.

Among the main goals of the forum were the development of intercultural dialogue, a common educational space, and humanitarian cooperation among the participating CIS states. Additionally, the forum aimed to popularize the Russian language as a language of interethnic communication in the CIS countries.

During the forum, two roundtable discussions were held: "Current Issues of Dialogue of Languages and Cultures of CIS Countries" and "The Role of the Russian Language in the Conditions of Multilingualism." These discussions covered topics related to language policy in the post-Soviet space, the language situation in the republics, aspects of training philologists-Russianists for teaching the Russian language, and many others. Workshops on translation studies, translation teaching methodology, and the languages of the CIS countries, including the Russian language as a language of interethnic communication, were also conducted.

At the conclusion of the forum, the participants adopted a resolution reflecting their intentions to further improve educational standards in the field of humanitarian education, develop innovative educational programs, create conditions for collaboration among linguists, specialists in information security, cultural studies experts, sociologists, and educators to address current issues in the development of language and cultural dialogue among the CIS and SCO member states. The resolution also expressed support for joint annual events related to the celebration of victory in the Great Patriotic War, historical and cultural dates, and Days of Culture and Art in the CIS and SCO member states. Additionally, it emphasized the need for regular student exchange within the framework of bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral programs among educational institutions.

Moscow State Linguistic University, as the base organization for languages and cultures of CIS member states, maintains close partnerships with educational and cultural-enlightenment institutions in the CIS countries. Nine language and culture centers have been established at Moscow State Linguistic University, and ten languages of the Commonwealth are taught.