Exploring Linguistic Richness: BelSU Preparatory Department Hosts Festival of Linguistic Heritage

Students from around the globe, including native speakers of Turkmen, Portuguese, Chinese, and other languages, came together to showcase the richness of their linguistic heritage. They opened a fascinating window into the unique lexical, phonetic, and grammatical features of their languages.

BelSU students who are native Turkmen speakers highlighted that their language is part of the Turkic language family and plays a crucial role in the national identity of over 3 million speakers. The audience was captivated by the musicality and rhythm of Turkmen poetry, which beautifully illustrated the lyrical nature of their speech.

The event also drew particular attention to some of the world’s rare languages, such as Berber, Bambara, Dari, and Cantonese. The Berber language, with its many dialects, is a vital aspect of the culture of North African peoples. Meanwhile, Bambara, one of Mali’s 13 official languages, serves as a key medium for interethnic communication and the preservation of local traditions. Participants were also treated to performances of national music on the piano, which resonated deeply with everyone present.

Cantonese, predominantly spoken in southern China – including Guangdong and Hong Kong – was discussed for its distinct pronunciation and vocabulary that set it apart from standard Mandarin Chinese.

Similarly, Dari, a dialect of Persian and the official language of Afghanistan, acts as a linguistic bridge among the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

“The event at the preparatory department was truly a celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange. It underscored the importance of preserving native dialects as integral components of identity and culture across nations. We look forward to more meetings and trips that will enhance our understanding of the world through the lens of languages and traditions,” remarked Olga Bil, Acting Deputy Head of the Preparatory Department for Social and Educational Work.