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The teaching of Polish language and literature at a university level in Debrecen began in 1974 at the Institute of Slavic Philology of the legal predecessor Lajos Kossuth University. The department was organized and headed by István Molnár, the founder of Department of Polish Language and Literature (1984), who had played a significant part in the establishment of Polish teacher training in Hungary and who also welcomed the participants of the alumni meeting, including native language lecturers who have taught at our university during past decades.
“The year 2018 can be regarded a milestone, when, as a result of the joint intention of the university and faculty leadership, staff development and the support of the Polish Institute, Polish studies were re-launched as a minor. This was a small program that did not even require direct application and admission, but one that still functioned as a stable minor choice through the possibility of internal applications,” said Ildikó Regéczi in her welcome speech.
The Head of the Institute of Slavic Studies of the FoH (Faculty of Humanities) at UD emphasized that, although a minor like this is a small program in terms of quantity, its role in the life of the institute goes far beyond its physical capacity. The reason for this is clearly that all those who have a stake in the existence of the program devote their energy and talent entirely to the cause of mediating Polish language and culture.
Polish philology, or polonistics, in Debrecen has always been a rare and special field, with a small number of dedicated students who have shown great interest in and commitment to Poland and its culture. Since its inception, a total of 170 students have graduated with a degree in Polish language and literature, while the Polish minor, relaunched in 2018, has so far attracted 43 students.
“We are proud of the fact that, over the past decades, quite a few of our excellent teachers and students have become recognized experts and professionals in Hungarian and Polish academic life, as well as in the expansion of Polish-Hungarian relations and tourism,” said language teacher Éva Fórián, Deputy Director of the Institute of Slavic Studies and the chief organizer of the meeting.
At the present time, there are 13 students taking a Polish minor in the undergraduate program. In addition, for the Slavic Studies bachelor's and master's degree in Russian, as many as 10 students are signed up to study Polish as a compulsory second Slavic language. Since 2023, there has also been a possibility to take Polish for a master's degree in translation and interpreting.
“The teaching of Polish has a tradition and a future at our faculty, where there is an unbroken interest in the culture and art of a Central European country with so many historical links with Hungary,” said Levente Takács in his opening speech.
The Deputy Dean for Education of the Faculty of Humanities at UD, who welcomed the participants on behalf of the faculty management, emphasized that, without the support of a few dedicated teachers, interested students, the faculty management and external institutions such as the Polish Institute in Budapest and the Felczak Foundation, it would have been impossible for this program to survive and function, even in its current modest framework.
Jaroslaw Bajaczyk, Director of Lengyel Intézet [Instytut Polski {sql_minus_minus} Polish Institute] and a former student of Debrecen Summer School, expressed his hope that one day, perhaps not so far in the future, the Polish program will be available not only as a minor, but also as part of the bachelor’s and master's degree programs at the University of Debrecen.
“In order to accomplish this, it is essential that native language teachers should continue to come to Debrecen. For this reason, the Polish Institute in Budapest, which has a significant role in the promotion of Polish language and culture in Hungary, will continue to support the implementation of various university projects and provide important financial and material assistance in the upcoming period,” said the director.
Besides the native language teachers and lecturers, former students could also use the event as a chance for sharing their fond memories.
The meeting was concluded with informal discussions and a group photo session.
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