Knowledge of languages opens all doors

It is a well-entrenched annual tradition of the Institute of Foreign Languages at Vytautas Magnus University to invite VMU and Kaunas community to celebrate the European Day of Languages. This year on the 27th of September the VMU Multifunctional Centre hosted two big events: a morning session tailored for VMU students to raise their awareness of foreign language demands in contemporary labour market and an afternoon session, a multilingual scrabble game, for High school students from all over Lithuania.

The morning session was opened by the director of the Institute of Foreign Languages assoc. prof. Vilma Bijeikienė who emphasised the vital importance of languages in today’s labour market and the need to be able to speak more than one. She compared foreign language competencies with breathing: as you can’t endure without fresh air, so can’t you survive without foreign language competences in our modern world especially in Lithuania. The plenary speech was delivered by Tadas Stankevičius, the head of Business Department of “Kaunas INN”, who presented multilingual perspectives of Kaunas city analysing the most recent tendencies in the investment sector and the demands for foreign languages.

The plenary was followed by meetings with the representatives from international companies.  This year JSC “Hegelmann Transporte”, JSC Cocnizant Technology Solutions Lithuania, JSC “Intermedix Lithuania”, JSC KESKO Senukai Lithuania”, Lowyers’ professional union Magnusson & Co., JSC “Runway Lithuania”, JSC “Transcom Worldwide Vilnius” not only presented their companies and business activities in a fair format, but also offered students an opportunity to test their foreign language competences in job interview simulations in English, Danish, Norwegian, Russian and German.

The afternoon session hosted a multilingual scrabble game in English, French, German and Lithuanian organised by six institutions: European Commission, Geothe Institute, Institut français, British Council, the State Commission of the Lithuanian Language and VMU Institute of Foreign Languages. The game gathered 72 students and their teachers for an inspiring, entertaining and inventive multilingual adventure.

English Prep- Course

The Institute of Foreign Languages of Vytautas Magnus University provides students with an opportunity to improve their competences of general and academic English before or while starting their English medium study programmes.

General description of teaching English

Based on a communicative learner-centred approach, all courses develop learners’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, improve their use of grammar and phonetics as well as enrich their lexical repertoire at an indicated CEFR (Common European framework of reference) level. A variety of interactive teaching and learning forms are applied including group and peer work, making presentations, discussions and computer assisted language learning. Participants are also introduced to Lithuanian culture and contemporary lifestyle along with developing intercultural communication skills. Classes are delivered by experienced teachers of VMU Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL).

Intensive semester courses

Intensive semester courses aim at helping learners to advance their competence of English over two CEFR levels B1-B2 enabling them to further undertake their studies in English taught study programs. In addition to face-to-face classwork, learners of intensive semester courses are enrolled in virtual learning platforms.

Before enrolment into the course each participant has to take English placement test prepared by IFL. The result of the placement test serves to enlist participants in the groups corresponding to the level of their current competence.

Group size: 10-14 students
Duration: 13-15 weeks
Course volume:
• face-to-face classroom 180 hours
• teacher guided learning in virtual environment 15 hours
• teacher guided interactive learning in computer assisted language learning lab 30 hours
• individual work 255 hours
Number of credits 18 ECTS credits

Registration fee: 50 Eur (non-refundable)
Tuition fee:
• citizens of the EU countries — 37,90 Eur per 1 ECTS credit
• citizens of non-EU countries — 43,33 Eur per 1 ECTS credit

Registration deadline for 2018 Autumn semester: 30 August
Beginning of language classes: 3 September (later start is possible)

Our courses:

Activate your English A2-B1: intensive semester course

Activate your English B1-B2: intensive semester course

Application contacts

Regarding registration, accommodation and other general issues contact VMU International Cooperation Department at international@vdu.lt

For more information on programme content and delivery contact deputy director of VMU Institute of Foreign Languages Almantė Meškauskienė at almante.meskauskiene@vdu.lt

Sustainable Multilingualism 2017

Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL) of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) successfully carries out its mission to provide efficient foreign language teaching, offering the broadest range of languages in Lithuania (currently 30 languages on offer), and also to perform research in plurilingual competence development and disseminating the scientific research internationally.

The 4th biennial international conference “Sustainable Multilingualism”, which was organized by IFL on 26-27 May 2017 (11th conference of the Lithuanian Language Teachers’ Association, with VMU as one of its founders) rallied over one hundred of researchers and language teaching professionals from over twenty countries of the world for discussion on individual plurilingualism and societal multilingualism in higher education. This year’s conference was exceptional in its focus on language preservation, linguistic human rights, minority language teaching and learning, challenges for culture and identity and continuing discussions on major issues in higher education language policy and language education in multilingual and multicultural learning space.

The conference was honored by world famous researchers and fighters for linguistic human rights – prof. ROBERT PHILLIPSON – the author of books on linguistic imperialism, challenges for language policy and language, who gave a plenary presentation “Linguistic challenges in global and regional integration” and prof. TOVE SKUTNABB-KANGAS – researcher into linguistic human rights, linguistic genocide and crimes against humanity in the education of Indigenous/ tribal/ minority/ minoritised children, linguicism (linguistically argued racism), mother-tongue-based multilingual education, linguistic imperialism and the subtractive spread of English, support for endangered languages, and the relationship between biodiversity and linguistic diversity. She gave a plenary presentation “Linguistic diversity, language rights and language ecology.”

President of the European Language Council / Conseil europeen pour les langues (CEL/ELC) MANUEL CÉLIO CONCEIÇÃO, professor of French linguistics at the University of Algarve, Portugal, researcher in language policy, intercultural communication, multilingualism in higher education, terminology and professional communication in the area of language studies and literature gave a plenary presentation “Higher Education Linguistic Landscape and Societal Challenges: Sustainable Perspectives for Real Evidences”. President of International Association of Multilingualism (IAM) and the General Editor of the International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, JEAN-MARC DEWAELE, professor of Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism at Birkbeck College, University of London, United Kingdom, discussed the development of sociopragmatic and sociocultural competence as well as the effect of emotional acculturation to a new language and culture in his plenary speech “Communicating Emotions in a Foreign Language”.

Research findings on various topics were presented and discussed in parallel sessions: migration and language policy, bilingualism and multilingualism, issues in language policy in Ukraine, Hungary, Spain, Slovenia, Bangladesh and India; language education in multilingual and multicultural space in Lithuania, issues in minority language teaching/ learning and less wisely taught and spoken languages such as Valencian, Welsh, language of Hungarian minority in Ukraine, Lithuanian as a foreign language, use of Samogitian dialect for preservation of identity, hybridity and belonging to Greek Cypriot community in London. Language teacher education problems were also discussed by presenters from Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Sweden and Lithuania, as well as development of plurilingual competence in formal, non-formal and informal ways, issues of translation in multilingual environment. Problems of the use of various languages in literary texts were analyzed from a historical perspective, multilingualism in European literature, languages and literatures in Scotland were presented. Parallel sessions were held in Lithuanian, French, German and English languages.

127 registered participants – researchers and higher education language professionals – represented 24 countries of the world: Bangladesh, Belgium, Byelorussia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom. 87 presentations were given during the two days of the conference: 60 oral, 12 virtual and 15 poster presentations.

The highest outcome of the conference, though, was expressed not in numbers but in the synergy which was sparked when the issue of multilingualism was viewed from different perspectives by presenters from various cultures, sharing their experience and ideas, attitudes and solutions to problems, expanding the networks of like-minded people, foreseeing common future research and projects. It is the joy of communication that is the highest value such events as international conferences can bring about.

CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS

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Baltic Summer University

This summer Vytautas Magnus University is hosting the Baltic Summer University. We offer a variety of courses to boost your professional skills, learn some Lithuanian and other languages, experience different cultures and meet new people. Just have a look at what we have to offer and prepare for your greatest discovery of Summer 2017!

For more information visit the website of the Baltic Summer University: http://balticsummeruniversity.com/

VMU students from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan visited Raudondvario Gymnasium

On 13 October VMU students from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan delivered classes of the Russian language to students of Raudondvario Gymnasium. They introduced culture and traditions of their respective countries. Most importantly, they gave gymnasium students a good opportunity to practice their skills of Russian. This visit to school adds to other examples of close cooperation between the Institute of Foreign Languages and institutions of general education.

Renewed Nordic Club “Nordi” starts the new school year

On the 14th of September VMU Nordic culture club “Nordi” organized a picnic on Nemunas island and afterwards invited everybody to watch a Norwegian film “Bølgen” (“The Wave”). The chosen day was perfect since we all had few lectures and the weather was fantastic! Bright sun raised our spirits and encouraged the members to get to know each other, which was the main aim of our gathering. Just like all northerners Lithuanians are rather reserved people, therefore, the standard form of introducing yourself in front of others would not suit us. That is why the president of our club Dominyka prepared an amusing game called “The Clock”. Each of us were given a sheet of paper on which we drew a clock and marked names of participating people next to the hours. The sound of the whistle meant that it was time to start talking to another person on the announced topic. Chatting to another person erases the fear of public speaking and introducing yourself becomes less trite. Thus, we “broke the ice” and enjoyed the snacks while chatting all together.

We are also glad to have exchange students in our club! A student from Germany and real northerner from Finland participated in our picnic. Elsbet, the new VMU lecturer from Norway was also invited to the gathering. She uses a variety of different methods when teaching Norwegian language. Therefore, during the lectures we mostly listen and practice speaking Norwegian ourselves. The lecturer mentioned that back in Norway she used to take her students to cafes, museums and other places where they practice new words in Norwegian on the spot which helps to learn the language more effectively. We felt fascinated by this idea and invited Elsbet to our picnic on Nemunas island. She immediately agreed to participate.

During the picnic we received a lot of questions about our club. The truth is that it was established a few years ago. However, the former members gradually stopped participating until the club ceased to exist completely. Therefore, back in the spring our Norwegian lecturer Jolita encouraged us to start the club back on and we supported this idea by reviving the Nordic culture club. Thus, we hope that our new members will be enthusiastic and keep this club alive for years to come!

European Day of Languages 2016

As every year, on 26 September IFL is inviting VMU community to celebrate the European Day of Languages together.  In 2014 the first IFL cup “Fight for language” was established with 3×3 basketball tournament which was won by the students’ team „Dar negavę ir negausim“ representing the Lithuanian language. In 2015 high school and VMU students met in an orienteering tournament. J. Dobkevičius progymnasium fighting for the English language and students’ team „Viva Italia“fighting for the Italian language triumphed as winners.

This year on the occasion of the European Day of Languages we are inviting you to the competition „Brave, quick and multilingual“ to win the 3rd IFL cup „Fight for multilingualism“. The teams will be competing in culture and language events: gastronomic déjà vu, lingua forum, rendez-vous in a foreign country, art mosaico, music potpourri.

Brochure

WHAT?

IIIRD IFL Cup “Fighting for Mumultilingualism”

WHERE? WHEN?

September 26, 2016, 9:00-11:00. Foyer of VMU Big Hall, S. Daukantas st. 28

HOW TO PARTICIPATE?

  • Gather your team – 5 participants and register it at uki.vdu.lt.
  • Think of a name for your team and quatrain that would reflect your multilingual team.
  • On the tournament day: prepare a team presentation (1 minute), have a distinctive sign and a poster with a name of your team.
  • AND DO NOT FORGET TO FETCH YOUR GOOD MOOD!

IF YOU WIN, PRIZES AND SURPRISES WILL BE AWAITING FOR YOU!

Those who want to participate are invited to register their team up to 12:00, September 22. Only 8 teams that will register first are going to participate.

Conference “The dynamics of Polish-Lithuanian relations”

nuotraukaOn 15-16 September the Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas together with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vilnius and the Polish Institute in Vilnius are organizing a conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Poland and Lithuania “The dynamics of Polish-Lithuanian relations.”

The conference will be opened by Ambassador of Poland to Lithuania Jarosław Czubiński. Mr Paweł Kowal, PhD. former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Member of the European Parliament will give the introductory lecture. During the conference the results of research in sphere of dynamics of relations development in the fields of history, philology, political science, economics, sociology, social sciences and humanities will be presented.

In the framework of the conference, on 15 September (at 16.00) in the Valdas Adamkus Presidential Library-Museum in Kaunas (S. Daukanto 25 St) the presentation of the biography of the late Polish President Lech Kaczyński (“Prezydent Lech Kaczyński 2005-2010”, written by the Sławomir Cenckiewicz and Adam Chmielecki) will be held. The discussion – with participation of the author and many guests from Poland and Lithuania – will be focused on foreign policies of Poland and Lithuania during the terms of presidents Lech Kaczyński and Valdas Adamkus, particularly in the context of their active actions in the Eastern Europe. It will be also a good opportunity to recall the term of late President Lech Kaczyński, that was so tragically interrupted.  Sławomir Cenckiewicz, PhD., Deputy Speaker of the Seimas Jaroslav Narkevič, Ambassador Žygimantas Pavilionis, PhD., Paweł Kowal, PhD. (tbc) and Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy Professor at Department of Political Science Šarunas Liekis, PhD. will take part in the book’s presentation and the discussion afterwards. The welcome speech will be given by Polish Ambassador Jarosław Czubiński and Professor Egidijus Aleksandravičius, PhD.

On 16 September (at 12.00) a panel titled „Poland and Lithuania after 25 years of resumption of their diplomatic relations – where are we now and where are we striving together? How can we contribute to a stable and prosperous Europe?” will be held. The Director Political Cabinet of the Minister FA of Poland Jan Parys, Political Director of the Ministry FA of Lithuania Rolandas Kačinskas, ambassador Vygaudas Ušackas, Giedrius Česnakas, PhD., Marcin Terlikowski, PhD. from the Polish Institute of International Affairs and Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy Professor at Department of Political Science Šarunas Liekis, PhD. will take part in the discussion. Panel discussion moderated by Andžej Pukšto, PhD.

The conference will be held in English.

Conference Programme

Tandem learning/teaching at VMU

In 2014 the Institute of Foreign Languages introduced Tandem learning/teaching of languages thereby offering students a possibility to enhance their learning of languages in an autonomous and self-guided way outside classroom. This method is designed to teach and learn languages in collaboration i.e. in a pair. During the tandem sessions participants, who are advanced users of two different languages, exchange the roles of a teacher and a learner, thus, developing their competences of the selected language. Learning in a tandem is especially helpful in improving speaking and listening skills and gain experience in intercultural communication.

The introduction of Tandem learning/teaching at VMU was inspired by the Institute teachers’ participation in international project SEAGULL. The international team of project partners has created linguistic material for language learning and teaching in a tandem: 15 topic sheets of Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish for levels A1, A2, B1 and B2 as well as 20 topic sheets for communication in public areas. The material includes exercises, video and audio records as well as teacher guidelines and learning outcomes of particular topics. All the material can be openly accessed at http://seagull-tandem.eu/.

In 2014 a Moodle course was created for activities of tandem learning and a tandem coordinator was assigned to provide tandem learners with assistance. One VMU tandem learning session lasts for one semester. At the beginning of each session participants are invited to an introductory meeting where the tandem coordinator assists in arranging the tandem pairs and explains the activities in Moodle platform. All registered are informed about the first meeting by email.

Registration to tandem learning/teaching for 2016 autumn semester:

Shakespeare speaks different languages

Celebrating the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his death, the year of 2016 is announced as Shakespeare’s year. VMU Institute of Foreign languages together with the initiative of the British Council and the British Embassy invite you to participate in a unique collaboration and to experience the spirit of Shakespeare while taking part in the readings of his works. Join us at the event “Shakespeare speaks different languages” in the Central Library of VMU from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m. on 17 March. A reader is given 2-3 min. to read a sonnet or an excerpt from any work in any language. A short video will be made and placed on the VMU and the British Embassy webpage. Participants are kindly asked to register using the form below. The deadline of registration is 10 March.

Registration form