Development of Persian Language and Culture is High in Iranian Government's Agenda

Directorate of International Academic Cooperation -

The Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology pointed to the high priority given to the promulgation and promotion of Persian Language and Culture.

In the first day of the International Symposium of Heads of Persian Language and Literature, and Iranian Studies Departments, Dr Mohammad Farhadi, Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology, reminded the audience of the high priority given to the promulgation and promotion of Persian Language and Culture, and the conspicuous growth in the empowerment and quality of Persian Language and Iranian Studies Departments abroad. During this event, Dr Farhadi then added: "Langauge is a divine providence and reflects the culture of each country. Despite the huge variety of its races, religions, denominations, and dialects, Iran has enjoyed, since antiquity, an independent identity and cultural integrity." He than continued, saying: "In the age of identity crisis, due attention to language, as an element of Iranian people's solidarity and unity, and its promulgation in the world, are among the most important tasks upon the relevant institutions and organisations."

Dr Farhadi then talked about the establishment of chairs of Persian Language and Literature, and Iranian Studies Courses in Master's and PhD levels, and the important role played by Iran, Iranian culture and civilisation fans, foreign elites, and Iranians living abroad in the promulgation of Persian Language, saying: "Efforts have also been made in preparation of teaching materials in the recent decade, though there is still a long road ahead of us." He reminded the audience of the extension of Persian Language courses to the Indian subcontinent; Central Asia and Caucasus; Arab world; Japan, etc. and the challenges existing in each region. He introduced the importance of drafting and publishing Persian dictionaries and systematic grammar textbooks for non-native speakers, and pointed to their role in facilitating non-Persian speakers' learning of Persian.

Dr Farhadi concluded his speech appreciating the efforts of all academicians active in the field and introduced such events as good opportunities for showing immense gratitude to those who are trying to promote Persian language and culture.