Following the recent launch of a Chinese language programme, the University of Sindh has launched a French language learning programme. The six-month course, organised by the university’s Bureau of Translation, Compilation, Publication and Information Services and Statistics, has commenced. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri (TI) inaugurated the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor said that French was a language of considerable international importance. He said it was considered the second most widely spoken language after English. French is an official language in more than 40 countries and is also one of the working languages of UNESCO and the United Nations Security Council, reflecting its global significance.

He said that learning French could open up opportunities in education, research, employment, business, diplomacy and several other fields at the international level. He added that proficiency in multiple languages was an additional skill that offered numerous benefits. Learning a language also provided an opportunity to understand the culture associated with it.

The Vice Chancellor said that he aimed to introduce programmes for teaching various internationally important languages at the University of Sindh so that faculty members and students could benefit from them in their academic and professional careers. In this regard, a Chinese language programme had recently been launched at the Area Study Centre far East and South East Asia, attracting more than 40 students. He added that a German language programme would also be launched soon.

He further said that the Bureau of Translation would not only introduce programmes for teaching different languages but also translate and publish important books written in various languages.

The Vice Chancellor appreciated the efforts of Dr. Shafqat Qadri, consultant at the Bureau of Translation, Compilation, Publication and Information Services and Statistics and teacher of French, expressing hope that a large number of faculty members and students would benefit from the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shafqat Hussain Qadri said that French was a highly important language and that proficiency in it could help individuals access various opportunities at international institutions.

He said that the first phase of the programme, launched at the university’s Institute of English Language and Literature, included 20 faculty members. He added that the programme would subsequently be expanded to provide students with an opportunity to learn French.

He said that the six-month course carried a nominal fee of Rs. 1,000 per month, amounting to Rs. 6,000 for the entire duration. He described it as an excellent opportunity for faculty members and students and urged them to make the most of it.

Faculty members enrolled in the French language programme were also present on the occasion, along with Dr. Tariq Umrani, Director of the Institute of English Language and Literature; Dr. Abdul Fatah Soomro; Dr. Sanaullah Ansari; Dr. Ghulam Ali Bariro; Dr. Abdul Hameed Panhwar; and Dr. Waseem Ahmed Malik.