https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230925/opening-new-doors-for-children-all-about-arrival-of-swahili-language-in-russian-schools-1062347050.html
'Opening New Doors For Children': All About Arrival of Swahili Language in Russian Schools
'Opening New Doors For Children': All About Arrival of Swahili Language in Russian Schools
Sputnik Africa
What are the prospects for learning African languages in Russian schools? Some of these languages will be taught this year, and one of them is Swahili. Sputnik... 25.09.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-09-25T19:00+0200
2023-09-25T19:00+0200
2023-09-25T19:02+0200
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Recently, a Moscow school introduced the Swahili language learning into its curriculum of this year. Sputnik Africa attended the first lesson and interviewed experts about this new initiative. African languages have never before been studied in Russian schools, even in Soviet times, Andrey Beltchenko, Deputy Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at the Moscow State University, told Sputnik Africa.The project is primarily educational, added the expert. Within two years, the schoolchildren will be able to speak the language and communicate in the street and on social networks. In addition, trips to Africa are planned.Good ProspectsThe project also has social significance, added the scholar. It is assumed that children who have started learning African languages will go on to study at higher education establishments. This is because people who master these languages can easily find employment. Banking organizations and federal agencies readily hire such specialists and offer them attractive salaries, noted the deputy director.For years, no one had trained specialists on Africa, pointed out Beltchenko. There is a serious shortage of Africanists, which is felt particularly by large companies. That's why "Africa is very interesting and very lucrative too".According to him, it is better to start schooling with the two of the most widely spoken languages in Africa, Swahili and Amharic, which are also not very difficult to learn.Access to the Hearts of AfricansStudent Danil Voronov has been learning Swahili at the university for four years. He chose it in 2019, when the first Russia-Africa summit was being held.During this period, he has reached a fairly high level of language practice, according to the student, and in 2023, he already used Swahili at international events such as the Russia-Africa parliamentary conference in March. A delegation from Tanzania attended, led by the deputy speaker of parliament, and Danil took part as an interpreter. The leader of the youth wing of the Tanzanian political party Chama cha Mapinduzi then came to Russia.On his first trip to Africa, "Africans were shocked" by the fact that he spoke their language. Even simple words and greetings in Swahili make them happy, and endear you to them, he said.Enthusiastic SchoolchildrenIasmina, a student who is in her ninth year at school, is already learning Arabic. She chose to learn Swahili because of her interest in African culture. "I'm sure that our country will cooperate more and more with Africa," she said.The young girl dreams of visiting African countries such as Kenya, Morocco or Egypt, not as a tourist but as someone who speaks Arabic and Swahili.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230920/at-least-three-moscow-schools-started-teaching-african-languages-1062244280.html
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'Opening New Doors For Children': All About Arrival of Swahili Language in Russian Schools
19:00 25.09.2023 (Updated: 19:02 25.09.2023) Samantha Arias
Producer / Podcast host
What are the prospects for learning African languages in Russian schools? Some of these languages will be taught this year, and one of them is Swahili. Sputnik Africa spoke to an expert, a student and a schoolgirl to find out more.
Recently, a Moscow school introduced the Swahili language learning into its curriculum of this year. Sputnik Africa attended the first lesson and interviewed experts about this new initiative.
African languages have never before been studied in Russian schools, even in Soviet times, Andrey Beltchenko, Deputy Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at the Moscow State University, told Sputnik Africa.
Two groups have already been formed, and a third is on the way, he said. "What's in it for parents and children? Of course, it opens new doors for the children. They're going to learn about African culture and history."
The project is primarily educational, added the expert. Within two years, the schoolchildren will be able to speak the language and communicate in the street and on social networks. In addition, trips to Africa are planned.
"Usually, someone who has arrived in Africa becomes a fan of that continent, he wants to come back," commented Beltchenko.
The project also has social significance, added the scholar. It is assumed that children who have started learning African languages will go on to study at higher education establishments. This is because people who master these languages can easily find employment. Banking organizations and federal agencies readily hire such specialists and offer them attractive salaries, noted the deputy director.
For years, no one had trained specialists on Africa, pointed out Beltchenko. There is a serious shortage of Africanists, which is felt particularly by large companies. That's why "Africa is very interesting and very lucrative too".
According to him, it is better to start schooling with the two of the most widely spoken languages in Africa, Swahili and Amharic, which are also not very difficult to learn.
Access to the Hearts of Africans
Student Danil Voronov has been learning Swahili at the university for four years. He chose it in 2019, when the first Russia-Africa summit was being held.
"I thought the future belonged to this continent, and Swahili is the most widely spoken language in Africa," he said.
During this period, he has reached a fairly high level of language practice, according to the student, and in 2023, he already used Swahili at international events such as the Russia-Africa parliamentary conference in March. A delegation from Tanzania attended, led by the deputy speaker of parliament, and Danil took part as an interpreter. The leader of the youth wing of the Tanzanian political party Chama cha Mapinduzi then came to Russia.
He also attended the Russia-Africa summit and worked with delegations from Tanzania and Kenya. "All in all, it's an excellent experience." The young man hopes that his
knowledge will enable him to find a job in a ministry or state-owned company.
On his first trip to Africa, "Africans were shocked" by the fact that he spoke their language. Even simple words and greetings in Swahili make them happy, and endear you to them, he said.
"Africans are generally good and positive, but as soon as you start speaking their language, we can discuss all the news and even get a good discount in a store. I can say with certainty that mastering Swahili opens access to the hearts of Africans," Voronov mentioned.
Enthusiastic Schoolchildren
Iasmina, a student who is in her ninth year at school, is already learning Arabic. She chose to learn Swahili because of her interest in African culture. "I'm sure that our country will cooperate more and more with Africa," she said.
"I think that in the coming years, Swahili, Hausa and other languages will become increasingly popular."
The young girl dreams of visiting African countries such as Kenya, Morocco or Egypt, not as a tourist but as someone who speaks Arabic and Swahili.
