28th International Conference of European Association of Spanish Language Teachers kicks off at YSU

The opening ceremony of the 28th International Conference of the European Association of Spanish Language Teachers (AEPE) — one of the most prestigious associations in the world dedicated to the teaching of the Spanish language, culture, and literature, uniting experts from around 40 countries — was held in YSU Academic Council Session Hall.   

The opening ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Armenia, Rafael Gonzalez Aleman, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Dominican Republic Embassy in Armenia, Sandra Santana, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Spain in Armenia, Cristina Conesa, as well as other officials, students, and professors. 

This year, the three-day conference is being held in collaboration with the Chair of Romance Philology at YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication. It provides a platform for discussions on the development and teaching of the Spanish language, as well as topics related to Spanish-language literature and culture.

The conference began with an opening speech by Mikayel Hovhannisyan, YSU Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation, who emphasized that the upcoming days would be filled with insightful professional discussions that will lead to sharing new ideas and strengthening collaborative ties. 

"Spanish is a rich and fascinating language. Even by reading the works of Spanish-language authors in translation, one can feel the inner depth and layered complexity of this language. Language is a unique means of transmitting and understanding meanings, and through this ability, we can experience the full depth of language and thought. The intercultural potential of Spanish is also undeniable. It is manifested throughout different phases of history — both in interactions with the Arab world and in cultural exchanges with South and Central America. These diverse interactions give rise to unique and 'vivid' innovations, born at the crossroads of human creative thought and multiculturalism," said the vice-rector. 

Gevorg Barseghyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication, discussed the objectives of the conference, stressing that it would also contribute to strengthening partnerships in education and diplomacy, as well as highlighting the significant role of Spanish in international communication.

"This is an excellent opportunity to once again highlight the role of the Spanish language in education, science, and cooperation. Your participation in this prestigious conference is an important step in promoting academic excellence, research, and fruitful cooperation at the international level," he noted.

The dean stressed that the conference will cover a wide range of topics, from linguistics to literature, from culture to communication.

Professor Hasmik Baghdasaryan, Head of the Chair of Romance Philology at YSU, emphasized the significance of hosting the conference and stated, "It is a great honor for us to host and hold the 28th International Conference of the European Association of Spanish Language Teachers at Yerevan State University. Today, we are united by our love and dedication to the language, which is not only a powerful means of communication but also serves as a bridge connecting various cultures and traditions. We are embarking on an academic dialogue and an interesting journey of cultural exchange. This meeting will allow us to discuss how Spanish has evolved and developed over time, becoming a common horizon that unites people from different cultures," she said, adding that the conference is more than just an academic event. It proves that the Spanish language is also alive here in Armenia, at Yerevan State University, in the words of Spanish teachers and students who believe in the creative and transformative power of languages.

Cristina Conesa, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Spain in Armenia, highlighted the importance of the event, emphasizing that it is a great support for the diplomatic representatives of Spanish-speaking countries. She expressed her gratitude to the Chair of Romance Philology at YSU for bringing together a number of nationally and internationally recognized researchers on one academic platform

"Spanish is a global language that, as the primary focus of Spain’s foreign policy, holds strategic significance. The latest publication of the Cervantes Institute's yearbook provides data reflecting the current importance of the Spanish language. The number of potential Spanish speakers worldwide exceeds 600 million, representing 7.5% of the world's population," she added.

At the plenary session of the conference, a speech was delivered by Professor Julia Sevilla Muñoz from Complutense University of Madrid, a renowned international scholar and the founder of the widely recognized journal Paremia (which is considered the second most important in the field of paremiology worldwide). She is also the creator and current coordinator of the unique Refranero Multilingüe (Multilingual Proverb Collection), which includes 17 languages.

The conference has brought together experts from leading universities in Armenia and European countries (Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Latvia, and Georgia) to discuss various issues related to the Spanish language, literature, and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. The conference will continue on April 16 and 18 in classrooms and the conference hall of YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication.