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Quest Tour for International Students Launches at PSU Campus

28.06.2022 / , , , ,

Why does the University campus have a cat-related art object? What is the oldest book at PSU Academic Library? Which places relate to students’ superstitions in the exam time? Where and when may one visit the University museums? And, what are the ‘secret’ parts of campus to relax or work on group projects?

The UNI-Quest Tour for International Students has been launched at the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature. The tour participants will step in the shoes a cartographer, detective, linguist, actor and traveler – learning about the University history and modern campus line in a lively manner.

“While drilling the assessment task with the teacher of the Department of Linguistics and Translation, incorporating the experience of PSU History Museum, we have been thinking of bringing a fresh gulp of air into the student life. It is no secret that international students experience lack of such an involvement. Although they stay on campus for most of the time, we want them to them step beyond the usual dormitory-classroom routine, and show them more places for study, sports, creative activity and leisure. Moreover, that the amount of international students has increased,”

says Alexandra Kurennyh, a 3rd year student in Linguistics and Translation.

The Russian students urged to transform a common tour into a quest with interactive tasks. PSU Center for Youth Policy Projects suggested a few hints like a final picnic. Now, the tour program includes hacks on adapting to Russia, listening to the balalaika, enjoying pizza and other snacks, and ice-break activities.

According to PSU Department of International Relations, there are presently 492 foreign students from 31 countries at Perm State University, including preparatory courses. The students in Linguistics and Translation are going to contribute to their adaptation.

“As a relatively new form of learning activity, group projects help students use the language of study, combining their personal talents and ideas into a team work. In practice, the University benefits from such an interaction,too,”

comments Professor Boris Proskurnin, Dean of the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, PSU.

The UNI-Quest Tours for International Students have started on 23 June, 2022. For participation, please, contact Alexandra Kurennyh, Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature: akurennykh@inbox.ru

PSU Linguist Wins Volga Federal District Translation Competition

22.03.2022 / , , , ,

Maria Erypalova, 4th year student of the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, PSU, has won the translation competition “All the Best About Russia”. The competition was dedicated to the 115th Anniversary of Academic Dmitry Likhachev. Maria took the 1st place in the French section.

Summing up the results of the competition, Zugura Rakhmatullina, Director of the Institute of History, Language and Literature, Ural Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasized the importance of developing cross-cultural competences through translation activity, as well as translator’s role in promotion of cultural and spiritual Russian heritage.

The young translators in English, German or French coming from all over Volga Federal District were asked to translate excerpts from the “Notes on Russian” by Likhachev. Extracted from hisnotebooks, far beyond ‘pure science’, Likhachev’s notes had been united by a core theme of Russia’s historical past and future – revealing an outstanding scientist and true citizen behind the author’s figure.

“In the passage offered for the translation, I found each minor detail so exciting! To start with, this was the first time I translated from my native language into foreign one. The text was also quite specific, dealing with discoveries by a French translator in relation to specifically Russian concepts of nature and kindness,” Maria Erypalova shares her impression. “Following the task, I once again became convinced of the versatility of the Russian language – and its complexity. Natalya Khorosheva, my teacher and mentor, who supervised my translation, helped me a lot with the lyrics passages.”

“Maria is one of the brightest students at our Department. She does indeed feel the text very subtly, and has a deep understanding of the core tasks of translation. Her winner’s record in translation competitions, including international ones, clearly shows that,” says Natalia Khorosheva, Head of the Department of Linguistics and Translation, PSU. “In Maria’s success, I see a combination of proficiency in translation and personal traits – such as natural attention to details and passionate, playful look at things.  As a tutor, I do my best to make students discover such qualities they might be unaware about, and progress further in both profession and personal life, through the practice of languages.”

In September 2021, Maria Erypalova was among the students who studied at the University of Grenoble-Alpes (France) as part of the international academic mobility program. In France, PSU students mastered the art of translation, combined with courses in history of literature and culture.

Young Talents Announced by PSU Olympics in Languages

18.03.2022 / , , ,

The Young Talents Olympics in Foreign Languages ‘2022 has taken place in Perm, Russia. More than 200 schoolchildren showed their knowledge in French, English and German. 120 students of 8-11 grades, coming from Perm territory, Moscow region and neighboring countries got the opportunity to take part.

The final stage of the Young Talents, held in a shape of a Translation Quest, consisted of several original texts of different genres – to be translated into Russian. Each language was linked to a specific field – the English part regarded traces of the national character, the French one – aromas, and the German one – cars. A particular task in English and French was linked to poetry, considered as fairly hard by many.

During the assessments, the jury checked the ability of contestants to interpret texts of different genres, correctly express ideas in Russian, create a text in the style required, deal with realities of foreign culture, as well as evolve the sense of language and a creative approach in translation.

The Young Talents Olympics was organized by the Department of Linguistics and Translation, Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, PSU.

PSU Joins Tolles Diktat, Contributes to Academic Diversity

06.03.2022 / , , ,

Perm State University has become a ground for the Tolles Diktat – a dictation in the German language, organized nationally for the ninth time. At PSU, the dictation is being supported by the Department of Linguodidactics, Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, for the third year in a row.

In 2022, the dictation took place at three levels of language proficiency – A1, B1 and C1. The participants had a unique opportunity to hear live German speech: the original texts were read by Katrin Köpke, Associate Professor at the Department of Linguodidactics, a native speaker from Germany.

“It’s a good tradition, that both PSU students and local senior school children take part in the event. Many of them study German as a second foreign language. Yet, this circumstance did push them from giving it a try. And, we keep in mind that German spelling does possess a number of distinctive features, if compared to English writing,” says Ekaterina Kupriyanycheva, teacher of the Department of Linguodidactics, head of the Office for Innovative Teaching Data.

The winners of the Tolles Diktat ‘2022 are: Maria Polyakova (level A1, School 122), Elena Fedoseeva (level B1, 1st year student, PSU) and Ekaterina Volegova (level C1, 3rd year student, PSU).

The Tolles Diktat is held on the initiative of UNESCO and is traditionally timed to coincide with International Mother Language Day. This year the action was held in 77 regions of Russia and brought together more than 52 thousand people. Kazakhstan, Croatia, Ukraine, Montenegro, Germany, Belarus, Uzbekistan and other countries joined the participation.

The all-Russian “Tolles Diktat ’2022” was held by the International Union of German Culture (Internationaler Verband der deutschen Kultur, АОО «Международный союз немецкой культуры»), Tomsk Regional Russian-German House («Томский областной Российско-немецкий Дом»), Interregional Association of Teachers and Teaching Fellows of the German Language – aiming to promote the German language and develop the tradition of German writing skills.

PSU and Mexican Students Join Efforts in Business Game

02.03.2022 / , , ,

PSU students in linguistics studying Spanish language will take part in a business game and project with the students in marketing from Universidad Anáhuac México (Mexico).

The project titled “Marketing Insights and Tropicalization: International Case Challenge” aims at generating, testing and promotion of product tropicalization on international markets. According to the Project Team, the study of English and Spanish languages appears through productive cultural and learning exchange experience – uniting international students’ teams.  

Tropicalization is the process of adapting product to a local context, a system, strategy or business solution to maximize income and profit.

For 2 months, students from Mexico, Columbia, Malaysia and Russia will act as ‘international experts’ to promote Mexican products on their national markets – researching about consumer interests and related info, proposing values and counting costs. As a result, partner teams will make a 5 mins video-pitch to propose a product to a new market, and post it in a Facebook Group.

According to Maria Khrustaleva, Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics and Translation, PSU, “participation in a project with a Mexican university opens up the world of Spanish in Latin America for our students. Keeping in mind that Spanish is quite a diverse language, PSU students will be privileged to get acquainted with its original Mexican version.”

The students have already prepared video business cards of their cities and universities, and introduced themselves. Anastasia Valeeva, 3rd year student believes “communication with Mexican students will help benefit both linguistically and culturally, and all parties are looking forward to proceed.” This is surely a new experience for PSU students studying linguistics and translation.

On their way, both parties will be using English and Spanish languages. Following 3 days after the deadline, participants will enter the battle by debating and asking questions each other about those ideas stated in the video, and vote for the best idea. All participants will receive the certificates of participation and the winners will get an extra point.

Anna Sit’kova, a teacher of Linguistics and Translation, PSU, regards the Project as a unique opportunity to understand marketing and gain extra skills: “Not only does cross-cultural interaction allow to develop a large number of creative ideas and practical solutions into study methods, but also create favorable conditions for the exchange of culture and experience between students from Mexico and Russia.”

The Project participants include Perm State University (Russia), Universidad Anáhuac México (Mexico); University Teknologi Mara (Malaysia), Universidad Catolica de Oriente (Colombia).

The Universidad Anáhuac México is a private educational institution of higher learning in Mexico, located on two campuses: North Campus, in Huixquilucan de Degollado, and South Campus, in Mexico City.

The Anahuac University is currently ranked among the top 2% best universities around the world. The Anahuac University Network includes institutions in Mexico, United States, Chile, Spain, Italy and France.

Bearing its name from “near the water” in Nahuatl, the ancient Aztec language, Anáhuac used to be the biggest and most crowded place in Central America, what is now Mexico City, the home of the university. The university belongs to the Catholic religious congregation of the Legionaries of Christ.

PSU Scholars Participate 3rd Winter School of Translation

31.01.2022 / , , , , ,

On 27-29 January, PSU linguists, translators and interpreters are taking part in the 3rd Winter School of Translation (St. Petersburg, Russia). Empowered by its online format, the number of the School participants has already exceeded 1200 people from 39 countries, which is a record.

The School program covers over a dozen language sections, including English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, German, Dutch, Japanese, and more. In 2022, the Turkish section is being held for the first time.

Well-known teaching professors and practicing experts in translation have been invited as speakers. Both lectures and workshops urge to update knowledge in a variety of subject areas, exchange experience, establish professional contacts, and expand skills in various aspects of translation.

The School has been organized by St Petersburg University (SPbU).

According to the School Organizing Committee, “the relevance of topics, as well as speakers’ status and experience make it sure the 3rd Winter School of Translation is gaining attention among the professional community. No doubt, the School’s regular character is already becoming a solid foundation for strengthening ties and maintaining interest within the translation profession.”

Study in Perm, Build Career in France: Motivation Advice by PSU Alumnus

13.01.2022 / , , , , ,

Looking for opportunities besides studying in Russia? Elena Mezentseva, graduate of the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature (2017), manager in international education at the Quartier Latin (Paris-Moscow), shares her vision of turning University years into future prospects and career.

Interviewer: How did your professional prospects grow after graduating from Perm State University?

Elena: After completing a bachelor’s degree at PSU, I continued my master’s studies at the University of Grenoble-Alpes, France, with whom our Department of Linguistics and Translation has had a long-time partnership. My home bachelor’s degree as a linguist and translator made it possible to study other related disciplines, like science du langage, langues étrangères appliquées, communication multilingue. So, I chose to do a master’s degree in langues, littératures et civilizations étrangères et régionales in études russes. Studying at PSU and the University of Grenoble-Alpes encouraged my passion for academic mobility. Not only did I regard this only as an opportunity to study abroad and host for foreign students back home, I also became interested in the logistics and preparations involved, acquiring to the adaptation of foreign students.

The academic internships in France for bachelor’s degree and mobility projects implemented in master’s degree defined my professional ambitions and outcomes. After completing my master’s degree, I started working remotely for the Quartier Latin company, assisting with training and settling in France.

Int.: Do you believe the knowledge gained at PSU became useful for your future?

Elena: Apart fromspecific knowledge of translation, theory of foreign languages and intercultural communication, the study at PSU helped me acquire general skills of critical thinking, data search and public speaking – making it possible to successfully pass a master’s course in France. Until today, I am applying these competencies at communicating with foreign students, running international business correspondence, and doing my duties as an interpreter and a translator.

As information becomes quickly irrelevant in a changing world, the knowledge gained during the University years prove to be most comprehensive and timeless.

Int.: Could you, please, share some vivid memories of your student years?

Elena: There have been plenty ofbright and memorable moments, since the very first year! These, of course, include training courses in Grenoble and Paris, which had become pivot points for me. I also recollect our University’s centennial celebration, when the campus turned into one whole festival town, full of live performances, happenings and art spaces.

Yet, perhaps, the most important event, or change was meeting my wonderful classmates, with whom we became real friends, as well as bright teachers, whose advice and guidance helps me a lot, until today!

Int.: What could you wish the future University applicants?

Elena: The student years is a unique time that gives a lot of new friends, knowledge and perspectives. Make sure you use every opportunity possible, and show your own initiative in that search, too. Do participate in exchange programs, scientific conferences, extracurricular activities, as this will allow you to meet different people, broaden your horizons and shape your goals. While still a student, try to put into practice what you have learned, as this will add value to your CV. May your student years be interesting, rewarding and exciting! And, be sure that joining the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, you will find yourself in a large academic family, a source for support and professional confidence, indeed!

Interview source (in Russian): Department of Linguistics and Translation, Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, PSU

Discuss Cultures, Learn More!

30.12.2021 / , , , ,

Looking for new friends? Want to learn Russian, or may be discuss something in English? Eager to practice your presentation skills, or just find more about countries around the globe?

17 students from the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, PSU, took part in the International Online Forum “Student’s Vision of the World”. The purpose of the Forum was to create a digital space for intercultural exchange, expand the scope of student activities and develop joint international and inter-institutional projects.

The projects by PSU students have been fairly recognized and certified by the Forum committee from Omsk State Agrarian University.

The Forum received over 200 applications from students from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Latvia, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Nigeria, Estonia, Morocco and more. The projects covered a variety of broad subjects, including culture, science and sports – in the shape of essays, videos and podcasts, discussing digitalization and values of the 21st century.

Interested in the projects? Fee; inspired, see how the participants’  projects at the Forum Facebook page.

And, some more to …

…Remind, that soon prior to the Forum, the students from the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature won the 1st prize in the International thematic discussion “Culture is the Fifth Skill”, dedicated to cross-cultural communication and nationalities across the globe.

11 teams of students in Linguistics from Russia and Belarus took part in an online discussion. The PSU team prepared a presentation on the UK, using creative approach and theatrical performance, demonstrating the British mentality, values, etiquette, traditions, verbal and non-verbal behavior.

The “Culture is the Fifth Skill” was initiated by the Francisk Skorina Gomel State University (Republic of Belarus), discussing the cultures of Japan, South Korea, Russia, Norway, Great Britain, Israel, Thailand, Australia and China.

PSU Interpreters Become Part of International Charity

17.12.2021 / , , , , , , ,

Enjoy communicating with people and volunteering? Like languages and translation? Ever thought of becoming a part of big international charity? Make it happen with us, see successful practices and contacts below!

In cooperation with the So!Art Association (Belgium), students of the Department of Linguistics and Translation, PSU provided support for the Artisans of Hope Project (Artisans de l’Espoir) to stimulate various skills of independence in children with cerebral palsy. The project collaborates with Russian and European specialists, enabling them to interact in a series of three-month distance internships.

Daria Tyurina performed two-way simultaneous interpretation of therapy classes online, edited and localized specialized texts, and helped in compiling a glossary of professional terms. Ekaterina Babich translated and worked on the content of fresh reports about the Association’s projects in social networks, while also preparing the project’s charity event.

“As a starting point, I had a poster for the upcoming charity evening in support of children with cerebral palsy and other movement disorders. Lacking details, I had to do a lot of preparation myself, looking for additional information – from how the charity meetings are generally held, to the biographies of the participants and the assortment of the sponsoring store. I felt I was doing something really important, and it gave me motivation. I was pleased to make my own modest contribution to the So!Art activity, while gaining a lot of experience, knowledge and skills myself,”

Ekaterina Babich has stated.

Despite the remote character of interaction, the So!Art Association and students have been working in tight contact along the way, getting mutual feedback at every stage. This allowed the translators to upgrade their competences on the go.

“Ekaterina Babich approached her task thoroughly and creatively. She showed enthusiasm and a serious approach at creating announcements for one of our most important events. Daria Tyurina, on the other hand, coped with interpretation brilliantly. Taking into account the high level of knowledge and the variety of competencies of your students, we are very pleased with the result of our cooperation,”

comments Daria Gissot, head of the So!Art association, founder of  Artisans of Hope Charity.

The Artisans of Hope aims to bring together cross-border experience and socialization – teaching independence and physical stimulation skills for children with neurological and physical disorders. Inviting experts, combining best international practices, addressing various programs to help rehabilitate children with neurological disorders, the European socio-cultural association So!Art launches intensive courses and programs in the field.

Further prospects of cooperation Perm State University and So!Art include assistance for and rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy, as well as speech therapy and other competency-stimulating techniques. This is a complicated topic that requires high translation skills, which are permanently upgraded at the Department of Linguistics and Translation, PSU. The joint project will be continued in the near future, inviting University students for internships alike.

Known Robot-Builders Offer Student Internships

30.11.2021 / , , , , ,

Imagine a situation when it is a robot doctor, who helps in a hospital or public place with assistance and navigation – greeting visitors, providing first health diagnostics, reducing coronavirus’ spread and other safety risks. Fantasy? Well, a reality, already. Besides doctor’s task, having offered such a service, the team needs to perform programming, address different audiences and language groups, as well as stay keen in hi-tech. May you take part in that? Find out more for yourself!

The Department of Linguistics and Translation, PSU, in cooperation with the Promobot are inviting students for a multilingual project to adapt robot interaction scenarios for foreigners. For students of Perm State University, this will be an officially approved internship. Invited are students with a passion for new technologies and language analysis, open- and nimble-minded.  The activity will be run in four language directions – English, German, French and Spanish. This is a long-term project, starting in December, 2021 and continuing throughout the winter and spring, 2022.

Founded in 2013 by Perm-based graduate students, the Promobot today claims to be the largest manufacturer of autonomous service robots in Russia and Europe – conducting research and production in mechatronics, electronics, artificial intelligence and neural networks, autonomous navigation, speech recognition, artificial skin and muscles, as well as human-machine interaction.

The company offers several products in a shape of a robot – an info desk manager, a promoter, a receptionist, a tour guide, an administrator, a scanner, and many more – providing connection to external systems and services. The geography of Promobot has recently expanded to 40 countries, including Armenia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Oman, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, USA and UK.

The Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature at PSU traditionally acts as a link between young translators/interpreters and city enterprises, government institutions, social and cultural initiatives looking for international cooperation. “Not does internship in translation help students to master their profession, but also connects them with a variety of experts, allowing them to sharpen skills and see prospects for future research,” emphasizes Natalya Khorosheva, Head of the Department of Linguistics and Translation, PSU. “In turn, we feel our students are in demand at the city’s venues, contributing to international cultural agenda.”

Picture source.
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