90 years of Hungarian language teaching at Inalco

How can we measure how far we've come since 1931? This was the theme that brought together around a hundred participants at the Institut Liszt during an evening commemorating 90 years of Hungarian university teaching in France, in the presence of Georges de Habsbourg-Lorraine, Hungarian ambassador to France, and Jean-François Huchet, president of Inalco.

During the evening, organized by Inalco's section d'études hongroises, the audience paid tribute to the Magyarists of France and remembered the various linguists, translators, poets and teachers who have contributed to a wide a range of disciplinary fields.

Mr. Thomas Szende, Professeur des Universités, Head of the Hungarian Studies Section, retraced the path taken since the creation of the first Chair of Finno-Ugric Languages at the École des Langues Orientales offering regular Hungarian language courses at university level (Read his speech at the bottom of the page).

The presentation of an anthology of Hungarian translations by Inalco students, with readings of passages from translated novels, showcased the work of a whole generation of literary translators; A recital of poems by the poet Weöres Sándor, and musical pieces.

This evening was also punctuated by fun moments where riddles and quizzes made for enjoyable language and cultural discoveries. As well as a pogácsa* competition judged by a jury of gourmets headed by István Halász, head chef at the Hungarian Embassy, and shared afterwards over a convivial buffet.

And of course, testimonials from students, showing that - while learning this language is not easy, it has enthralled and continues to captivate many of them!

Congratulations to the students, readers, and teachers who put together this varied program mixing literature and music, testimonials, surprises and treats :

Jules Bouton, Svetlana Boyer, Erwann Carain, Sultan Cetinkaya, Laurent Dedryvère, Marion Eschard, Gézenguz Galgoczy, Aurélie Ispan, Axelle Jean, Kati Jutteau, András Kányádi, Ildikó Lőrinszky, Iris Maroczi-Stollsteiner, Thomas Szende, Philippe Stollsteiner, Michaël Tosello.

* The pogácsa is one of the most popular dishes in Hungary and neighboring countries, but also in many other European countries. Every region, indeed every household, has its own way of concocting these delicious rolls with cheeses, cream, cabbage, butter, potatoes, onions, herbs...