The Voices of Two Thousand Languages

On 25 May, the world marks Africa Day – a date that symbolises freedom, decolonisation and the continent's drive towards unity. In honour of the occasion, on 29 May the Centre for African Studies at BSUFL's Hall of Residence No. 1 hosted an open lecture and a gathering for students from African countries enrolled in the “Russian as a Foreign Language” programme. African music filled the air as guests arrived. The host opened the event with a reminder: Africa is not only a continent of extraordinary cultural wealth, but also a linguistic universe unto itself. Over two thousand languages are spoken here, each one carrying its own distinct history and traditions.

The keynote speaker was Mikhail Sobolevsky, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Theory and Practice of Spanish and French. His lecture explored the languages spoken across different African nations, the role of language in shaping identity and why the continent is often described as a linguist's treasure trove. The talk struck a chord with the audience, offering a fresh perspective on a part of the world many thought they already knew.

After the formal part, everyone was invited to take part in an interactive quiz on Africa – its languages, traditions and geography. Guests eagerly tested their knowledge, uncovering everything from unusual natural phenomena to continental records, and learning along the way.

The highlight of the evening came when students from the “Russian as a Foreign Language” course, originally from Africa, took the floor. They spoke about Cameroon – its customs, its cultural fabric – and gave a vivid glimpse into traditional dress and daily life.

The gathering was warm, intimate and welcoming throughout. As the event drew to a close, the organisers thanked all who took part and expressed their hope that this first encounter with Africa's languages and cultures would be the start of many more discoveries to come.