BelSU Welcomes Future Linguists: Schoolchildren Shine at Annual Phonetic Competition

A phonetic competition for schoolchildren was held at Belgorod National Research University (BelSU), drawing students from 18 educational institutions across Belgorod and the surrounding region to showcase their skills in French and German.

The event was organised by the Department of Romance and Germanic Philology and Intercultural Communication, part of the Institute of Intercultural Communication and International Relations at BelSU. The career guidance initiative took place as part of the University’s Saturday programme, aimed at introducing young learners to the possibilities of higher education.

A total of 50 applications were submitted for the competition, underscoring its relevance and the growing interest among schoolchildren in studying foreign languages.

Associate Professor Oksana Kuzmina, Head of the Department of Romance and Germanic Philology and Intercultural Communication, addressed the participants, speaking about BelSU, the Institute of Intercultural Communication and International Relations, and the opportunities available for professional language study at the university.

The competition unfolded in a relaxed and creatively dynamic atmosphere. Participants delivered performances across a variety of categories, including solo and group singing, recitations of poetry, prose and fables, as well as dramatic sketches.

The French language jury comprised Associate Professors Irina Sinelnikova, Tatyana Soboleva and Svetlana Sleptsova of the Department of Romance and Germanic Philology and Intercultural Communication. German pronunciation skills were evaluated by Associate Professors Inna Akinshina and Elena Sherstyukova.

All participants received souvenirs, and the winners of the phonetic competition were presented with certificates.

“All participants demonstrated excellent knowledge and skills in phonetics, immersing themselves in the world of poetry, music and the art of the German and French languages,” the jury noted at the conclusion of the event.