Press releases

MOSCOW, 20 February (BelTA) – The event dedicated to the International Mother Language Day was held in the business and cultural center of the Belarusian Embassy in Russia, BelTA learned from the press service of the diplomatic mission.

“The Belarusian language is one of the oldest Slavic languages. It is inseparably linked with the name of our world-famous countryman: pioneer book printer Francysk Skaryna. Last year Belarus and the world celebrated the landmark date – the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing, which was added e by the UNESCO to the international memorable dates calendar,” Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Igor Petrishenko said.

The diplomat recalled that by decision of the head of state Belarus marks the Belarusian Literature Day, the national holiday of culture, education and spirituality. The celebration demonstrates the revival of the best traditions, has become a true symbol of independence of the new sovereign Belarus.

“Russians shown an interest in the Belarusian literature and language,” Alla Sheshken, the head of the Belarusian language, literature and culture center at the Philological Faculty of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, told the media. The center opened this year. The initiative was put forward by the Yanka Kupala Grodno State University. Thanks to the support of the Moscow State University and a vivid interest on the part of students, the initiative was quickly put into practice.

“Moscow regularly hosts Days of Belarusian Language and Belarusian Poetry. The Month of Belarusian Culture kicked off at the Slavonic Culture Center of the Margarita Rudomino All-Russia State Library for Foreign Literature on 1 February. The campaign will see a lot of events, including the activities for school students,” said Alla Tuzhilkina, the chairperson of the regional non-governmental organization National Cultural Autonomy of Belarusians in Moscow.

The event at the embassy featured a play by the Yanka Kupala National Academic Drama Theater to mark the 125th birthday of Belarusian writer Maksim Bogdanovich. The guests were also invited to see an exhibition of the Belarusian National History Museum. The exposition showcases the rare publications of the works of the Belarusian writers, scenic designs and costumes from a number of Belarusian plays. The Liritsa group of the Gomel Oblast Philharmonic performed at the event.

Attending the event were representatives of the Belarus-Russia Union State Permanent Committee and the Eurasian Economic Commission, scientists and art figures of Moscow, public associations of the Belarusians of Russia.

The International Mother Language Day was declared by the UNESCO in 2000 to raise the awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.