https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240606/russian-language-is-going-to-acquire-prominence-ugandan-professor-on-un-russian-language-day-1066910205.html
'Russian Language is Going to Acquire Prominence': Ugandan Professor on UN Russian Language Day
'Russian Language is Going to Acquire Prominence': Ugandan Professor on UN Russian Language Day
Sputnik Africa
Russian Language Day, celebrated annually on June 6, was established by the United Nations in 2010 to promote the Russian language and its rich cultural... 06.06.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-06-06T16:36+0200
2024-06-06T16:36+0200
2024-06-07T13:31+0200
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The importance of the Russian language for Africans is growing, especially in light of changing geopolitical dynamics and the strengthening of cultural ties between Russia and the continent, underscored Kamya Deogratias, a visiting professor at the Moscow State Linguistic University and a prominent figure in the field of Russian language education at Makerere University in Uganda.Speaking to Sputnik Africa on the occasion of UN Russian Language Day, celebrated on June 6, Deogratias shared his own journey of learning the language, highlighting its enduring appeal and relevance in the modern world.Prof. Deogratias emphasized the strategic importance of learning Russian in a world increasingly aware of neocolonial tendencies.Meanwhile, he noted, "Russia is seen as the savior in this respect, and learning the language is therefore an advantage in itself for non-native speakers."Prof. Deogratias assumed that learning the Russian language "will definitely improve bilateral and multilateral relations" between Moscow and African states.The professor shared how fluency in Russian has opened doors to professional and academic opportunities for him, including postgraduate studies, workshops, seminars, and teaching positions in both Uganda and Russia. He also highlighted his role in establishing the first Russian language school in Uganda, offering diplomas in the language.He expressed his support for Russia's efforts to strengthen cultural ties with African nations through initiatives like opening Russian language schools, highlighting the need to popularize the language on the continent.Addressing the recent bans on Russian art and media imposed by some Baltic countries and Ukraine, the academic denounced these actions as "shortsighted" and driven by ulterior motives.Concluding the interview, Deogratias expressed his confidence in the future of the Russian language, stating, "I wish all celebrants the very best as they celebrate this day. There is no doubt that Russian language is going to acquire prominence in the years to come."
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'Russian Language is Going to Acquire Prominence': Ugandan Professor on UN Russian Language Day
16:36 06.06.2024 (Updated: 13:31 07.06.2024) Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
Russian Language Day, celebrated annually on June 6, was established by the United Nations in 2010 to promote the Russian language and its rich cultural heritage worldwide. The choice of June 6 is significant as it marks the birthdate of the celebrated poet Alexander Pushkin, a key figure in the development of the Russian literary language.
The importance of the
Russian language for Africans is growing, especially in light of changing geopolitical dynamics and the strengthening of cultural ties between Russia and the continent, underscored
Kamya Deogratias, a visiting professor at the Moscow State Linguistic University and a prominent figure in the field of Russian language education at Makerere University in Uganda.
Speaking to Sputnik Africa on the occasion of UN Russian Language Day, celebrated on June 6, Deogratias shared his own journey of learning the language, highlighting its enduring appeal and relevance in the modern world.
"My personal journey and motivation to learn Russian began way back in 1987 when I was awarded a scholarship by the then Soviet government," the professor recounted. "The conducive learning environment also motivated me to learn the language much faster. After more than two decades, I visited Russia several times and believe me, it was such a nice experience to be back in a country that made me who I am today."
Prof. Deogratias emphasized the strategic importance of learning Russian in a world increasingly aware of neocolonial tendencies.
"Former colonized states have become aware of the exploitative nature of their former masters, which continued after independence," he explained. "The current [anti-French] wave in West Africa is a case in point. French interests are being questioned, and the need to put an end to neocolonial tendencies altogether and to adopt new strategies is gaining momentum."
Meanwhile, he noted, "Russia is seen as the savior in this respect, and learning the language is therefore an advantage in itself for non-native speakers."
Prof. Deogratias assumed that learning the Russian language "will definitely improve bilateral and
multilateral relations" between Moscow and African states.
The professor shared how fluency in Russian has opened doors to professional and academic opportunities for him, including postgraduate studies, workshops, seminars, and teaching positions in both Uganda and Russia. He also highlighted his role in establishing the first Russian language school in Uganda, offering diplomas in the language.
He expressed his support for
Russia's efforts to strengthen cultural ties with African nations through initiatives like opening Russian language schools, highlighting the need to popularize the language on the continent.
Addressing the recent bans on Russian art and media imposed by some Baltic countries and Ukraine, the academic denounced these actions as "shortsighted" and driven by ulterior motives.
"This is a short-sighted move driven by other interests," he said. "There is no way you can do away with Russian art and media because this is something that has stood the test of time. Secondly, Russia has clearly demonstrated its position in the world and doing away with its art and media is just being funny. I think many people in Ukraine tend to understand Russian art and media more."
Concluding the interview, Deogratias expressed his confidence in the future of the Russian language, stating, "I wish all celebrants the very best as they celebrate this day. There is no doubt that Russian language is going to acquire prominence in the years to come."
