The School of Foreign Languages of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched a certificate programme in the Russian language.
“This is IGNOU’s first ever beginner’s level Russian language course through the distance mode,” Shivaji Bhaskar, Programme Coordinator, Certificate in Russian Language, told RIR on Jan. 31. “The programme is available for beginners, enabling them to read, write and speak the Russian language in an accurate manner.”
The six-month course comprises of 16 credits. The study materials are in English and Russian. “The course is offered through open and distance learning modes, and self-learning material is integrated with audio-visual components,” Bhaskar added.
260 students have already enrolled for the January 2017 session.
IGNOU is also looking to add a diploma programme by 2018-19.
“The learning of Russian as a foreign language has commanded a special place in India since a very long time,” Bhaskar said. “As the number of prospective learners of Russian is growing rapidly all across the country, especially in the big metro cities, it was felt that an awareness programme must be offered to make these learners aware and appreciate Russian language, literature and culture.”
Bhaskar added that the programme is ideal for fresh school graduates, defence personnel, people employed in the hospitality, IT and pharmaceutical industries, as well as members of the press.
Any resident of India over the age of 18 can enrol through IGNOU’s Online Admission System portal.
[Source:-Russia & India]