Take a fresh look at Oriental languages... This is what theInstitut national des langues et civilisations orientales has in store for you for the 41st edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, taking place on September 21 and 22, 2024.
The Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales, or Inalco, was founded in 1795. Its main mission is to preserve Oriental languages and civilizations while continuing to teach them. Commissioned by the Marquis de Bacqueville in 1716, the building has been renovated and enlarged several times, and today still houses the Maison de la recherche de l'Inalco.
Formerly known as the École spéciale des langues orientales, the institution's mission is to teach living oriental languages. At the beginning of the 19th century, around ten languages were taught here, compared with around a hundred today. For the Journées du Patrimoine, you are invited to discover the premises through a special program. It's an opportunity to learn all about Oriental languages, from Russian to Oceanic, including Vietnamese, Burmese, Japanese and Mongolian, as well as their civilizations. Shall we go, friends?
For over two centuries, France has had a unique institution, open to all, dedicated to learning the languages and civilizations of the five continents. The École spéciale des langues orientales, now known as the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (Inalco), was founded in 1795. At the time, it was a new type of school, public and free, dedicated to the teaching of modern languages of public and commercial utility. At the beginning of the 19th century, around ten languages were taught, compared with around a hundred today.
Built in 1716, the Hôtel de Bernage housed several successive tenants, before being transferred to the École in 1873, which adapted it to its new functions. The architect Louis Faure-Dujarric took great care in the interior design, which featured numerous orientalist references.
Today, Inalco, also known as "Langues O'", offers a unique expertise in languages and societies based on centuries of experience. No other institution or country offers such a diversity of courses, such openness and such a wealth of knowledge. The institution is a key player in the promotion and preservation of the world's languages and civilizations.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, Inalco's Maison de la Recherche will exceptionally open its doors to the public, who will be able to discover various heritage treasures and enjoy a free, documented tour retracing the singular history of this establishment, renovated in 2019. Several architectural elements, including the floor mosaics, the monumental staircase and the moldings and medallions in the historic salons, have been awarded the "Heritage of Regional Interest" label by the Île-de-France Region in 2020.
In particular, the public will have the opportunity to consult the volumes of the Description de l'Égypte preserved at Inalco, a monumental work resulting from Napoleon's military campaign in Egypt. This precious heritage, as well as the genesis of the establishment and its role in France's diplomatic and academic relations with foreign countries, resonates particularly with the themes of this edition. In parallel with the tours, Inalco will be offering a short lecture at 3.30pm on the life and destiny of the first teachers at the École des langues orientales.
Inalco's Maison de la Recherche will be open to the public on Saturday September 21st from 1pm to 6pm (last admission at 5:30pm). Admission is free of charge.
Founded in 1795, the fledgling École spéciale des langues orientales began offering courses in June 1796, under the Directoire, in a still tumultuous context.
Among the very first professors were some of the most prestigious figures in the country's political and diplomatic life. Whether Silvestre de Sacy, Jean-Michel de Venture de Paradis or Pierre-Amédée Jaubert, their reflections and travels helped spread the influence of French Orientalism throughout Europe.
Emmanuel Lozerand, university professor and head of Inalco's History Department, is pleased to invite you to this conference to discover the lives and destinies of these key figures in the history of the École des langues orientales.
Event organized as part of Inalco's European Heritage Days on Saturday September 21, from 3:30 to 4:15 pm in the Dumézil auditorium. Free admission, subject to availability.
Dates and Opening Time
On September 21, 2024
From 01:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Location
National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations
2 Rue de Lille
75007 Paris 7
Access
Metro line 1 station "Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre", line 12 station "Solférino".
Prices
Free
Official website
www.inalco.fr
More information
Open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
