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Indian Muslim News – EDUCATION March 30, 2009

Jamia Millia Islamia to conduct Catalan Language Course

Jamia Millia Islamia’s Center for European and Latin American Studies will be presenting a small course that aims to give a first gaze into one of the most strong minority languages in Europe. The course will be held in April 2009 and there will be 3 sessions per week of 2.5 hours. The course significantly endeavours to improve the knowledge of Europe and Latin America. The course is free. However, to cover photocopying expenses, Rs. 100 will be charged. The final schedule will be sent to the participants once registered.

This course is primarily designed to benefit the students and teachers of Romanic languages and those interested in the European linguistic policies. The course will give a comparative approach to the grammar and morphology of Catalan in comparison with other languages related to Latin. The course is likely to be a precursor of further studies in the language at the Centre and in Spain.

Catalan is a language spoken in 4 European countries (Andorra, Spain, France and Italy) by more than 9 million people, but understood by almost 12 million. The history of Catalan starts in the Early Middle Age border between Muslim and Christian kingdoms in the Pyrenees. Once one of the most influential Mediterranean languages, Catalan is facing now the threat of minoritisation due to competition with major languages such as French and Spanish, the heritage of a long period of prohibition during Franco’s dictatorship, the lack of political support in several regions where it is widely spoken, even if moving back, the loss of prestige between the speakers and the overwhelming power of media to marginalize the already weaker languages.

For Registration and Certificate, participants are advised to contact Centre for European and Latin American Studies, Nelson Mandela House, Jamia Millia Islamia. All the participants with at least 80% attendance will be issued a certificate. For further information contact: enricdonate@hotmail.com (Spanish Visiting Lecturer) and ajayprasad@aeiou.pt (Coordinator).