Department of Foreign Languages
(Chinese, Japanese, Sinhalese, Russian, Italian, Spanish and Polish)

Established in 1961, the Department of Foreign Languages has the distinction of conducting different programmes in seven major languages of Asia and Europe namely Chinese, Japanese, Sinhalese, Russian, Italian, Spanish and Polish. In view of the present national policy of 'Look towards the East', the Chinese programme has been updated to provide a comprehensive understanding on China.

Since the inception of Spanish, Italian, Polish & Japanese programmes and subsequent progress made in this area, led to signing of MoUs between BHU and several foreign governments and universities under which the department has been receiving support in terms of provision of visiting teachers, didactic materials and award of scholarships.

Our students have been receiving good offers from MNCs and academic institutions. Besides, the department caters to the growing needs of the university community by offering part-time courses in these foreign languages.

Presently the Department has four permanent faculty members and six visiting foreign teachers. The department proposes to introduce Korean Language and revive B.A in Japanese with a view to develop East Asian Language and Studies programme.

Faculty Members

Dr. Kamal Sheel, (Head & Dean) Professor of Chinese Studies ® 2575978
Dr. Aditi Jha, Professor of Chinese Studies ® 2570447 (o) 2307417,91-9415390583
Dr. V.N.Tiwari, Professor of russian Studies ® 2311180
Kamal K. Dutta, Assoc. Professorof Chinese Studies ® 2570447, 91-9455662954

Courses Offered
- Undergraduate
- MA
- Doctoral Programme
- 2 year Diploma course in Chinese, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Sinhalese

No. of Research Scholars: 01

Research Focus of the Department
Chinese Language and Literature, Culture, History, Politics, Women and Sino-Indian Interaction

Research Studies/Project Undertaken/Completed
The faculty members of the department have undertaken the following research studies:
" Project on India Specific teaching material in Chinese
" Origin and Development of Chinese Mythology

Achievement during 2008-09
" One faculty member was selected as Vice-President of the Indian Congress of Asian & Pacific Studies at the VIII conferences held at Punjab University.
" Three graduate students of Chinese language pursuing higher studies in Shenyang University, China.
" Two Chinese language students have been selected for the Indian Students' Delegation to participate in the International Sino-Indian workshop in China in May 2009.
" Four students of Chinese language have been nominated to be part of Indian Youth Delegation to visit China in June 2009.
" One polish language student has been awarded Polish govt. scholarship.
" Japan Foundation awarded scholarship to one Japanese language student of the department.

Workshops/Seminar held
The department has been periodically organizing national and international seminars and arranging interactions with scholars from various countries.