Identification of the Founding, Development and Scope of the French Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco)

Abstract

Language is a fundamental phenomenon that enables the expression of thoughts, the transmission of knowledge, and social interaction. Language education is an activity that facilitates cross-cultural communication and equips individuals with the skill to communicate effectively worldwide. Knowing multiple languages enhances mental flexibility by promoting openness to different cultures and perspectives. Language education contributes to personal and professional development, shaping individuals’ worldviews. In France, which aims to cultivate individuals integrated into the world with these skills, there are numerous institutions focused on language education. One of these institutions is Inalco, specializing in languages and cultures of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Inalco offers a wide range of languages including Turkish, Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Hebrew, and many other Eastern languages. This linguistic diversity provides students with the opportunity to express themselves in various cultural contexts. With a history spanning about four centuries, Inalco is not only a language education center but also a leading institution within Oriental studies. It has produced numerous orientalists and contributed to works in various fields. Established in 1795 in France, Inalco has long been dedicated to producing leading figures specializing in Eastern languages and civilizations, in line with its founding mission. Focusing on Oriental studies for a significant period, Inalco has encouraged cultural interaction through its studies of Eastern languages and civilizations, fostering intercultural understanding. Expanding its scope continually through its institutional experience, Inalco now conducts research on almost all world languages and civilizations. With its expertise in language and culture and its deep-rooted history, Inalco is recognized as a respected institution globally. However, it’s a fact that there hasn’t been enough research on institutions like Inalco in academic circles. Therefore, after introducing Inalco’s establishment, operation, and fields of activity, this study will focus on its mission as an Oriental studies institution. The study, created through field research, observation, and information obtained from authoritative sources, aims to fill this research gap.