International Native Language Day was celebrated at Belgorod State University

Over 700 representatives of two Belgorod universities participated in the event traditionally held by Preparatory Department of Belgorod State University

Russia and the world celebrated International Native Language Day on 21 February. In 2000 UNESCO announced this day as the day to support linguistic diversity. Events dedicated to Native Language Day are held every year by Preparatory Department of Belgorod State University.

This year over 700 students took part in the celebrations mostly joining via videoconferencing. For the first time the event was organised together with the students and lecturers of Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law which has been implementing a joint education programme with BelSU.

Elena Nazarenko, the Deputy Head of Preparatory Department welcomed the event guests and participants and stressed the importance of native and foreign languages study which gives a key to understanding cultures of other people.

During the event students presented their languages focusing on their origin, peculiarities, beauty, richness and uniqueness. The participants recited poems in Russian, Serbian, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Persian and other languages and tried to find similarities and differences between Russian and their respective mother tongues.

The event culminated with the fairytale performance �Flying Ship� in Russian which brought together many representatives of Belgorod State University.

 NRU �BelSU�