Russian language abroad: Russian center opens in Helsinki

A new “Russian Center” was opened at the Institute for Russia and Eastern Europe library in Helsinki on September 21 2010. The newly opened center in Finland opens up new opportunities for familiarization with the Russian culture, history and modern social structure, and learning Russian language.

According to Alexander Dzasokhov, the Chairman of the Federation Council Commission on Culture, who attended the inauguration ceremony, "this center will become №58 in the world, with Finland as the 33rd country to implement the project". "Russian centers are being unveiled almost every week, - he stressed. – We are one the wave now with the next center to open in Washington in October". Alexander Dzasokhov underscored that "the “Russian center” project proved its viability and effectiveness".

The “Russian Center” brings together about one thousand books, which were published in Russia, 300+ audio books, films, educational programs, virtual tours to major museums of Russia, dictionaries and Russian language textbooks. The Russian Center’s collection will be constantly replenished thanks to new acquisitions from Russia.

The center welcomes everyone, who displays a keen interest in the Russian language and culture, and will expand the possibilities currently offered by the Institute for Russia and Eastern Europe library. Among other things, the center will host various events and meetings. The center has been founded by “Russkiy Mir” Foundation becoming the third project of the foundation implemented in Finland. There are already more than 30 such centers functioning worldwide. As for Europe Russian center in Helsinki became 20th institution of that kind.

Alexander Dzasokhov is convinced that in 21st c. Russian language will maintain its positions as one of the major world languages. "Beyond a shadow of a doubt, in 21st c. Russian language will remain in a row of world languages, - he said. – The Russian language is spoken by more than 360 million people worldwide, and our goal is to maintain an undiminished interest to it".