Ever since the 1800s, the Moscow State Linguistic University, known affectionately as InYaz, has stood as a testament to Russia’s vibrant linguistic heritage. Nestled in the heart of Moscow, the university has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s linguistic landscape and fostering a love for languages. This grand building has been home to generations of students, including some of Russia’s most prestigious figures.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the year 1804, Emperor Alexander I, a visionary leader, sought to bridge cultural divides through education. He established the Moscow Imperial Commercial School, a pioneering institution that taught the English, French, German, and Latin languages. This was a groundbreaking initiative for a Russia that was steadily opening its doors to the world.
Fast forward to the early 1900s, this historic building was chosen as the epicenter for learning languages once again. The Moscow Institute of New Languages was founded in 1930, with O. G. Anikst at its helm. It was a time of rebuilding and modernization, and languages were seen as crucial instruments for connecting with the international community.
The Institute then underwent a series of name changes reflecting its ever-evolving role. In 1935, it became the Moscow State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages (MSPIFL). During the Second World War, it played a vital role, providing translators for the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials.
After the war, the Institute was renamed yet again in honor of Maurice Thorez, a prominent figure in the international communist movement. It became the Maurice Thorez Moscow State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages, a symbol of the Soviet Union’s commitment to international cooperation.
Finally, in 1990, MSPIFL was renamed to its current name, the Moscow State Linguistic University (MGLU), reflecting its expanded scope and its emergence as a leading academic institution in the field of linguistics. Today, MGLU stands as a proud beacon of linguistic excellence, offering education in over 35 languages and boasting a student body of 10,000 students and postgraduates. Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of this esteemed institution, a place where language truly comes alive.