Multilingualism and Internationalisation, as core topics of the ANIME Network, brought together representatives of 8 member universities from various continents in Sofia (Bulgaria) in November 2023, with the continuing aim to foster network cooperation, bolster international presence, and achieve excellence in a fiercely competitive global landscape.
This gathering merged two significant components: the conclusion of the AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) MUDExI project and ANIME annual event. This combination was seeking to foster exchanges of best practices, synergize complementary areas of expertise, and establish the groundwork for enduring partnerships.
Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, a member of ANIME, hosted the Network’s annual event from November 23rd to 25th, 2023. The event welcomed representatives from eight universities, including the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa), the National University of Cordoba (Argentina), the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), the University of Lomé (Togo), UNIMINUTO (Colombia), the University Babes-Bolyai (Romania), and the University of Strasbourg (France). The focus was put on exploring multilingualism within a broader spectrum, discussing university language policies, engaging with specialists in inclusive multilingualism, and exchanging best practices.
The event also featured the closing conference of the AUF CO//ECTIF MUDExI project, and the presentation of its outcomes, highlighting four initiatives centered around multilingualism and intercomprehension. These actions included (1) creating a repertoire of institutional language policies and linguistic practices led by the University of Strasbourg; (2) Research and case studies on linguistic mediation led the European Civil Society Platform for Multilingualism (ECSPM); (3) a Summer School on “Gender equality across languages and cultures: The case of inclusive language” led by the University of Strasbourg; and finally (4) an Autumn School on “Promoting Intercomprehension and Multilingualism in Higher Education" organized by Sofia University SKO.
The event also included the convening of the Network's General Assembly meeting, whose objective was to review past activities, strategize new projects, and establish the new scope of activities for the upcoming year.
Representatives from two other universities and potential new partners - Indonesia and Mauritius Island were invited by Sofia University to participate in the meetings, and share insights into their own challenges associated with multilingualism and inclusiveness.
Cultural activities were an integral part of the event, featuring a visit to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city and the European Capital of Culture in 2019.
