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Linguists Meet PR: PSU Students Defend Group Projects

11.07.2022 / , , ,

Keen on East Slavic mythology? Want to try promoting your national product on the Russian market? Learn places about Perm to chill out, taste national cuisine or make sports? Help international students adapt to the University? Dive into an online tour around PSU campus, museums and Botanical Garden? These topics and more served the starting points for joint research projects by students in Linguistics and Translation at the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages ​​and Literatures, PSU. The projects’ presentation in the form of the assessment took place on 1 July, 2022.

Addressing the project participants, Dr. Boris Proskurnin, Dean of the Faculty, referred to two major trends in Russian education – an accent on the fundamental knowledge, a reliable theoretical support, in the first place; and, its practical orientation, the applicability to situations in real life, in the second place. In Dean’s vision, PSU students in linguistics and translation act as a link for other university students in their appeal to a bigger multinational world of education and science, which is both a joy, and responsibility.

The students’ presentations showed both dedication to our home University and interest in international cooperation, with a fair strive to help foreign students adapt to the local environment. Along with quite able performance of translation tasks, the project participants demonstrated skills of creating illustrations, videos, websites and media – acting as copywriters, bloggers, SMM managers, PR specialists and journalists.   

Ms Elena Malkova, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, PSU, paid attention to three particular characteristics while assisting the students’ research activity. Firstly, the student is no more an object, but rather a subject, an obvious key to action and transformation of reality. Secondly, in the process of work, the students come to understand the ways the university works. Thirdly, while reporting, the teams should think of involving undergraduates into their projects, providing the latter a continuous, cyclical character.

“I am sincerely grateful to the Department of Linguistics and Translation staff and personally to Natalia Khorosheva for a truly and productively organized group project activity,” Ms Elena Malkova, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, PSU, has admitted. “This has a potential of growing into a system of events, as well as information and methodological support at working with international students, which complies with the overall youth and social policy at the University.”

The Group Project Activity is a new applied discipline at Perm State University (PSU) included into the overall study plan of all 3rd year students, complies with the federal academic leadership program Priority 2030. The goal of the Program is to form a large group of universities that will become the leaders in creating new scientific knowledge, technology, and developments for introduction into the economy and social sphere in Russia. Within the Group Project Activity, students are invited to implement scientific, cultural, educational or social projects, allowing them to apply their competencies and practice team work.

10 projects have been presented at the assessment event:  

  • The Faculty Promo: presentational video in English with subtitles in Russian and Spanish, introducing the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures, PSU, for potential foreign applicants
  • “Media on Perm: People, Events, Places”: a website in Russian and English, with five sections each: “About us”, “Places”, “People”, “Brands”, “Phenomena”, providing original look at most interesting and relevant info about the city for tourists and foreigners living here, with dive in the local culture and “the opportunity to become part of the local community”
  • “PSU Assistance Centre”: a multilingual website for PSU Situation Center – with versions for computers and mobile gadgets. Eight sections – ” Declaration  of Values” , “Student Life”, “Hostels”, “Social Services”, “Psychological Assistance”, “Safety”, “Library Services” and “Feedback” are divided into subsections with most recent information, existing services and official documentation in Russian, English, Chinese, Turkmen languages
  • HOME: “Helping international students with adaptation at the university”, a Telegram channel as a source of information on PSU, with frequently asked questions. The goal of the project was to provide students from abroad with information on the basic structure of the university  – using most fast, comprehensive and friendly ways to deal with questions from studies to everyday life, as well as problem situations
  • “UNI-Quest”: Meet the First in the Urals”: a quest tour around PSU campus for international students (promo video)
  • “Heritage”: a site on East Slavic mythology, introducing foreign and Russian-speaking students into Russian culture
  • The translation of an office design project for a Spanish construction group.

“You Can’t Do Science When You Don’t Know Where to Buy Food”

11.07.2022 / , , ,

As part of group project activity, students of the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, PSU, have presented the HOME multimedia platform – standing for a comfortable adaptation of international students in a new environment – in the city and the university.

Following a formal translators’ task, the project participants intend to pass basic yet important information on Perm State University to the newcomers – using most fast, comprehensive and friendly ways to deal with questions from studies to everyday life, as well as problem situations. As the HOME team states, “it’s impossible to do science when you don’t know where to buy food”.  

The unique feature of the project is that it unites the University and the surrounding area of campus and the city. Addressing specifically the youth audience, the project team uses most appealing formats like infographics, subtitles- and voice- supported video, short posts, memos, etc.

“Having started the project, we discovered that beyond formal procedures and documentation, the University needs a new channel of information – enough comprehensible and useful for international students. This made us choose such a convenient and multifunctional format as a Telegram channel,”

shares Vera Pachgina, 3rd year student in Linguistics and Translation.

The Telegram is known as a cross-platform app accessible from any device, like mobile, laptop or computer. At the moment, 36 people have subscribed to the HOME channel. The Project team is actively engaged in its advertising, and expects positive dynamics:

“Not only does a small step into the Telegram territory enable the improvement in educational activity, it also allows international students to be informally accepted by the University and the city – enabling connections, acting as network elements of a larger mechanism of academic and social activity, rather than a separate, self-contained group. We regard it as key to contribution to the whole student life in Russia,”

the HOME team states.

The launch of the Project provides its makers an opportunity to continue during their 4th year of study, as well as share their duties with the freshers. According to Diana Maslova, head of the team, the HOME is likely to overgrow the initial educational task: “We are keen to support our channel with useful content, following the latest events and relevant information, and expand the language component.”

At PSU, the Group Project Activity is a new applied discipline included in to the 3rd year schedule, as a part of the overall educational process in Russia, under the Priority 2030 Program. Within its framework, students implement scientific, cultural, educational or social projects – allowing students to apply their newly acquired competencies and personal inclinations and into team work.

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 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.”

Littera Language Center at PSU: Launches New Program, Invites Students

19.01.2022 / , ,

According to the goskills platform, one of the most popular tendencies of the recent year, traced among many Europeans, is acquiring new competencies. Which ones would be your choice?

The Littera Language Center at the Regional Institute for Continuing Education, PSU invites you to apply for an extra-curriculum study program “Executive Assistant and Interpreter”, and gain new competencies in English language.

Upon the completion, program graduates will receive a certificate by Perm State University, providing the qualification of an Executive Assistant and Interpreter – allowing further progress in translation, international relations or tourism.

Interested? Please, see links below the post!

The Regional Institute for Continuing Education, established in 2004, remains one of the largest centers for additional education and professional orientation in the Perm territory – providing courses for all kinds of audiences, from college and university students to civil servants and practicing professionals.

Executive Assistant and Interpreter Program: (avoid space in the link)

Application due to: 28 January at: avoid space in the link

Picture source: What Does an Executive Assistant Do?

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

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.

PSU and University of Lousville Unite for Translators Contest

27.10.2021 / , , , , ,

433 translations have been checked by PSU students and teachers, who performed as jury experts in the Perm City Translators’ Contest – a record amount for the whole venue history. The event was held within the framework of “Perm-Louisville: Twin Cities ’Cultural Heritage” projects, addressing schoolchildren and college students.

Two groups of experts worked on their jury tasks, comprising students of the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, teachers from four Perm universities, officials of Perm city administration, and the University of Louisville, a long-time partner of Perm State University.

The jury of the first selection round included 20 undergraduate students in Linguistics, as well as 20 graduate and postgraduate students. 23 faculty members and 7 students from the University of Louisville joined them for the second round, to specially name long-time partners Professor Michael Losavio and Thomas Dumstorf, teacher of Russian language and literature.

For the second round, two pieces from a thriller “A is for Aliby” by Sue Grafton were offered for an English-Russian translation, and an excerpt from “The Territory of God” by Yuri Aslanyan, Perm-based author, PSU graduate in Philology – for a Russian-English translation.

“This time, the project attracted 467 participants from our city, which undoubtedly testifies to the growing interest in such events among the youth of Perm, and beyond! Thanks to the city-rooted,  citizen-voiced competitions and projects, PSU students and teachers join the international movement of twinning and peoples’ diplomacy,”

admits Svetlana Polyakova, project coordinator.

“I would like to thank the organizers of the Contest for an excellent opportunity to practice our translation skills – which mean less without practice. I am happy to support such initiatives, growing as a professional translator, and stretching out for new literary horizons!”

comments Yulia Repyakh, MA student, Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature.

To remind, “Perm-Louisville Twin Cities ’Cultural Heritage” Translators ’Competition became a winner project within framework, within the 23rd Perm City Competition of Social Projects “The City is Us”. The Competition was run by the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures, Perm State University; Perm English Language Teachers’ Association (PELTA); Perm Krai A.M. Gorky Library; and Perm-Louisville Twin Cities Association.

PSU Translators Win Twin Cites Contest

06.10.2021 / , , , , ,

PSU students have successfully performed at a regional international Translators ’Competition, contributing to Perm (Russia) and Louisville (USA) twin cities’ link.

15 undergraduate and graduate students from Perm State University are listed among 29 winners in various categories, representing the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature; the Faculty of Law; the Faculty of Economics; and the Faculty of History and Political Science, PSU. The Competition involved 135 students from 8 Perm-based higher institutions. In total, the Organizers’ Committee received 160 pieces, translated; a few participants challenged several translations at once.

Four pieces by contemporary American authors had been offered for the Competition: “A is for Aliby” by Sue Grafton, “Old Muscovy” by Massie Robert and “The Healing” by Gayl Johnes. All authors come from the sister city of Louisville (USA) and represent those writings previously untranslated into Russian. In return, two excerpts from the book “The Territory of God” by Yuri Aslanyan, Perm-based author had been offered for a Russian-English translation part.

The Translators ’Competition became a part of “Perm-Louisville Twin Cities ’Cultural Heritage” framework, within the 23rd Perm City Competition of Social Projects “The City is Us”. The Competition was run by the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures, Perm State University; Perm English Language Teachers’ Association (PELTA); Perm Krai A.M. Gorky Library; and Perm-Louisville Twin Cities Association.
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