Lithuanian language as bridge for international educational and cultural cooperation

For the second consecutive year, Lithuanian language courses have been held at Yerevan State University on the initiative of the university's International Cooperation Office. The program brings together students and specialists interested in the Lithuanian language and culture, creating new educational and cultural bridges between Armenia and Lithuania.

A certificate award ceremony was held at YSU for participants of the Lithuanian language course. This year's cohort included both new students and those continuing their studies from the previous year. The program is not limited to language instruction; it has evolved into a platform for cultural dialogue, academic cooperation, and new international opportunities.

Head of the YSU International Cooperation Office Alexander Margarov, emphasizing the continuity of the initiative, noted that the program contributes to deepening Armenian-Lithuanian relations and helps form new cultural ambassadors who, through their activities, strengthen friendly ties between the two countries.

"This cooperation is of special importance to us. Through language instruction, a new cultural environment is created where participants not only learn but also discover Lithuania, its way of thinking, and its value system," he said.

Lithuanian language instructor Olga Arzumanyan emphasized that the program is aimed at teaching communicative Lithuanian, while not being limited to it. "It is not only about language; we also try to understand culture and linguistic thinking. Lithuanian is a rare language, and this makes it even more attractive and distinctive," she said.

According to Arzumanyan, new opportunities were created within the program this year. With the support of the Republic of Lithuania, participants had the opportunity to take part in educational and cultural programs held in Lithuania. As a result of a joint project between YSU and Vytautas Magnus University, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania funded a visit to Lithuania for the instructor and five students.

The students visited state and academic institutions, participated in cultural and educational meetings, and presented the language skills they had acquired.

For participant Stepan Hakobyan, the study of Lithuanian also carries personal significance.

"My maternal side is from Lithuania, so I have long wanted to learn the language. Thanks to the course, I already feel that I can speak more freely. The language is quite difficult, but at the same time very interesting. I would like the program to continue so that I can further strengthen my knowledge," he said.

For participant Hayarpi Khachatryan, Lithuanian has evolved from a professional interest into a deeper cultural exploration. She noted that her lack of knowledge of the language previously limited her work with Lithuanian literature. However, the courses at YSU now allow her to understand and study original texts on her own.

"When we visited Vytautas Magnus University, we fully felt how rich and multilayered Lithuanian culture is. That visit was not only an educational but also a major cultural experience for us," she said.

Participants of the course are convinced that language learning is most effective when accompanied by the study of culture, music, literature, and direct interpersonal communication. For this reason, the program also includes concerts, cultural events, and meetings.

The Lithuanian language course at YSU has become an important educational and cultural initiative that not only provides an opportunity to learn a distinctive language but also promotes international cooperation, academic mobility, and intercultural communication.