Department of Foreign Languages

Dr. Mayuresh Kumar, a faculty member of the Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University, participated in the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (TCIM), held in New Delhi recently. The summit was organised by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Government of India and brought together global policymakers, researchers and practitioners to advance evidence-based integration and innovation in traditional medicine.

Mr. Kumar was associated with several technical and thematic sessions, facilitating interaction among international experts on issues related to health system integration, scientific validation of traditional medicine, innovation, biodiversity conservation and protection of indigenous knowledge.

The closing ceremony was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted India’s commitment to harmonising traditional wisdom with modern science for global health and well-being. Mr. Kumar’s participation reflects AMU’s engagement with international academic and policy platforms and its contribution to global health dialogue.

Dr.Mayuresh Kumar, Assistant Professor of Spanish in the Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), served as a conference interpreter at the 18^thPlenary Meeting of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, held in New Delhi from December 2–4, 2025. Hosted by India and convened by the OECD Global Forum, the high-level meeting drew ministers, tax administrators, and senior officials from more than 170 jurisdictions.

The Plenary was inaugurated by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, who underscored the centrality of tax transparency to fair and responsible economic governance. Finance ministers from several countries, including Andorra, Montenegro, Hungary, Kuwait, the Cayman Islands, the Slovak Republic, Panama, and Zimbabwe, were also present.

Dr. Kumar’s interpretation assignment was closely aligned with sessions highlighting India’s commitment to tax transparency, South–South cooperation, and capacity building for developing jurisdictions.

Ten undergraduate students from the B.A. German Studies programme, Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of International Studies, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have excelled in the DAAD onSET Scholarship Test, conducted on September 17.

The onSET is a standardized language placement test and a mandatory requirement for applying to the DAAD-funded University Summer Courses (Hochschulsommerkurse, HSK) in Germany 2026.

The successful students include Mohd Bilal, Shamama Saif, Hareem Baig, Soniya Prajapati, Iqra Naseem, Zoya Sandli, Sibte Mustafa, Md Asif, and Mohd Aasid Raza. Among them, Iqra Naseem distinguished herself by securing the B2 proficiency level, while the others achieved B1.

Congratulating the achievers, Prof. Aftab Alam, Dean of the Faculty of International Studies and Chairman of the Department of Foreign Languages, said : “These results reflect the growing competence of our students to engage in a global academic environment.

Mr. Syed Salman Abbas, Assistant Professor of German, praised the dedication of the students, remarking: “Securing B1 and B2 levels in an international proficiency test is a commendable feat for undergraduate learners. This success mirrors their hard work and the department’s commitment to quality teaching.”

Expressing pride in the achievement, Dr. Suman Singh, Assistant Professor of German, said: “Our students’ perseverance and dedication set an inspiring example for future batches to pursue DAAD and other international opportunities.”

Dr.Subair P.M., Assistant Professor of German, emphasized the broader significance of the success: “These results strengthen AMU’s role in promoting global academic mobility and highlight the importance of intercultural competence in today’s interconnected world.”

The German Section of the Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), organized a Resource Talk and onSET DAAD Scholarship Test, offering students an opportunity to gain intercultural insights into student life in Germany and to appear for the standardized onSET test, a mandatory requirement for DAAD scholarship applications for University Summer Courses (Hochschulsommerkurse, HSK) in Germany.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Aftab Alam, Dean, Faculty of International Studies and Chairman, Department of Foreign Languages, reflected on the differences between student lifestyles and teacher-student relationships in Europe and India, drawing on his experiences as a student in the United Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of adapting to intercultural learning environments.

The Resource Talk was delivered by Dr. Michael Stadler from Bayern, Germany, who currently serves as DAAD Lecturer at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Speaking on the theme “Students’ Life in Germany: An Intercultural Perspective,” Dr. Stadler provided first-hand insights into academic, cultural, and social aspects of studying in Germany, while highlighting both challenges and opportunities for international students.

Mr. Syed Salman Abbas, Assistant Professor of German, welcomed the guest speaker and stressed the importance of intercultural competence and encouraged students to make use of scholarship opportunities to broaden their horizons.

The session was moderated by Dr.Subair PM, and concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Suman Singh.

Dr Subair P M, Assistant Professor of German at the Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University, presented a research paper at the International Conference of German Teachers (InternationalerTagung der Deutschlehrer:innen – IDT 2025) held in Lübeck, Germany, from July 28 to August 1, 2025.

The conference, themed “Daring Diversity – with German”, served as a global forum for educators and researchers to explore innovative approaches to teaching German as a foreign or second language (DaF/DaZ).

Dr Subair’s paper, “Discursive Cultural Studies: Stereotypes and Contradictory Perceptions of the DACH Region among Indian DaF/DaZ Students in the Digital Age”, examined how Indian students learning German perceive German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, in the context of digital media. His analysis focused on the influence of online platforms in shaping stereotypes and contradictory cultural perceptions, and underscored the need for nuanced pedagogical strategies to address these issues in language classrooms.

Highlighting the importance of integrating critical digital literacy into German language education, Dr Subair emphasised that such approaches can foster deeper cultural understanding and challenge preconceived notions about the DACH region. His participation in IDT 2025 was fully funded by Deutsche Auslandsgesellschafte.V.

Commending the achievement, Prof Aftab Alam, Dean, Faculty of International Studies and Chairman of the Department of Foreign Languages, said: “Dr Subair’s insightful presentation at IDT 2025 reflects AMU’s commitment to advancing global academic discourse. His work on cultural perceptions in language education underscores the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding in today’s digital age.”

The IDT 2025 conference brought together German language educators, researchers and practitioners from across the world to exchange teaching innovations and research, reinforcing the role of German language education in promoting diversity and intercultural dialogue.

Six students of Chinese from the Department of Foreign Languages (DFL), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have earned significant international recognition with the award of fully-funded one-year scholarships by China and Taiwan.

Five students, including Nazneen Haider Khan (Peking University), Mohammad Azeem (Zhejiang University), Anas Ali (Beijing Language & Culture University), Abdul Aziz (East China Normal University), and Vanshika Rani (Beijing Language & Culture University), have been selected for the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship, while Ahmad Farooqi, a former student, has received the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship from the Government of Taiwan.

These students will pursue an advanced Chinese language programme at leading institutions, enhancing their linguistic and cultural expertise.

Prof. Aftab Alam, Chairperson of the Department of Foreign Languages, congratulated the students, stating that their achievement reflects the quality of education and opportunities provided by AMU. He emphasized that this milestone will not only contribute to their personal and professional development but also strengthen the university’s international collaborations and reputation.

Three students of French at the Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have qualified the prestigious UGC NET/JRF examination in French, bringing pride and recognition to the department.

Suhaib Khan and Mohd Ahmad, both Ph.D. scholars under the supervision of Dr. Sawan Kumar Singh, have successfully qualified the UGC NET-JRF and UGC NET examinations respectively.

Adding to this, Mr. Abdul Rehman, a student of M.A. French, III Semester, has also qualified the UGC NET-JRF.

The Chairperson of the Department, Prof Aftab Alam congratulated the students, applauding their hard work and dedication. “This success is not only a personal milestone for the students but also a testament to the academic standards and scholarly focus of the department,” he stated.

Jannisar Akhter, a PhD student from the Department of Foreign Languages at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been awarded the prestigious Ernst Mach Grant by OeAD, Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation.

He will spend two months (April–May 2026) at the University of Vienna, where he will conduct research in Hispanic Studies under the supervision of Prof. Matthias Hausmann.

The grant includes a monthly stipend of €1,300 and an additional €1,200 to cover travel expenses.

Jannisar's achievement has been warmly commended by his supervisor, Dr. Mayuresh Kumar, and the Dean of the Faculty of International Studies, Prof. Mohammad Azhar.

Dr. Md Yasin, Assistant Professor of Chinese in the Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), recently participated in the 2025 Summer School on Comparative Governance for Neighboring Countries, held at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA), Fudan University, Shanghai, from June 3 to 20.

During the programme, Dr. Yasin presented a paper titled “China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The View from New Delhi.”

The programme brought together 20 participants from 14 countries, including diplomats, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and academic researchers, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas. The intensive training covered a wide range of topics through 15 expert-led lectures on China’s political institutions, fiscal and climate governance, the role of the Communist Party of China in governance, China’s engagement with the Global South, and its international development strategies, including regional cooperation frameworks such as ASEAN.

As part of the programme, participants visited the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress to gain insights into the city’s governance structure and its strategic vision to emerge as a global hub of innovation and opportunity.

 Link :- https://www.amu.ac.in/news/2025/6/23/amu-faculty-member-participates-in-international-governance-programme-at-fudan-university-china

The Department of Foreign Languages (Chinese Division), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), organized an academic event titled “Ink & Insight: Book and Newsletter Unveiling” to mark the release of three academic contributions in the field of Chinese language studies. These include the UGC-NET JRF Book for Chinese authored by Dr. Md Yasin and published by Goyal Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd.; a Dictionary of Chinese edited by Dr. Md Yasin in collaboration with MA final-year students Mohd Azeem, Anas Ali, and Nazeen Haider Khan; and a Newsletter of the Chinese Division edited by BA third-year students Astitwa, Emaan Alam Raz, Aisha Siddiqua, and Nahida Imteyaz.

Prof. Mohammad Azher, Chairperson of the Department and Dean, Faculty of International Studies, highlighted the department’s academic progress and congratulated Dr. Md Yasin and the student teams for their contributions.

Chief Patron Prof. Shafey Kidwai, Director of the Sir Syed Academy, underscored the collaborative nature of the publications and the continued relevance of dictionaries as learning tools. He also noted that the newsletter would serve as a platform to showcase the academic achievements of faculty and students while generating broader interest in Chinese and China Studies.

Guest of Honour Prof. Rakshanda Fazli, Faculty of International Studies, commended the initiative and appreciated the early academic involvement of students in publication efforts.

Dr. Murad Khan, Assistant Professor of Spanish, also attended the event alongside the dignitaries.

Dr. Md Yasin expressed his gratitude to the department leadership and the AMU Publications Division for their support in facilitating the timely release of the publications.

Link :- https://www.amu.ac.in/news/2025/4/28/department-of-foreign-languages-amu-launches-second-edition-of-bilingual-magazine-die-stimmen

The Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University launched its student-led Spanish newsletter today in a vibrant and inspiring event attended by students, faculty members, and distinguished guests.

Addressing the gathering, the Patron of the Newsletter and former Vice Chancellor of AMU, Professor Mohammad Gulrez, highlighted the department’s remarkable progress and said that student-led initiatives reflect its dynamic growth. He pointed out that Spanish is spoken in more than 20 countries and that having command over the language gives students a significant advantage. He further mentioned that, having previously served as the Dean of the Faculty, he has witnessed the robust development of the Department of Foreign Languages, and noted that bringing out a newsletter is no easy feat.

Professor Mohammad Azhar, Dean, Faculty of International Studies, encouraged students to pursue excellence with creativity and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives that inspire new students to continue with enthusiasm.

Professor Rakshanda Fazli and Dr. Mayuresh Kumar applauded the collective effort of the students, underlining the spirit of teamwork and innovation.

Editor Sakhaviya Ahmed, a postgraduate student, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the entire team, including Sidra, who delivered the welcome address, Tayyaba Jeelani, who conducted the programme, Ghalib, who spoke about the development of the department, Uzaifa and Afifa for their dedicated proofreading, and Zaheer, Tarannum, Samia, and Fazal for their tireless efforts.

Dr. Ahsan Ahmed concluded the event with a vote of thanks.

Ms.Shada Khan, a second-semester MA French student at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected for a prestigious, fully sponsored month-long internship in France under the international AMICIF cultural exchange programme, organized in association with Lion’s Club France, a United Nations-recognized social organization.

The internship, which forms part of CIFSE 2025 in Marseille, brings together students from around the world to celebrate and represent their respective cultures and heritage. Ms. Khan is among only 16 students chosen from over 400 applicants globally and is the sole representative from Uttar Pradesh.

Prof. Muhammad Azhar, Dean, Faculty of International Studies, extended his congratulations to Ms. Khan and commended her for earning this international recognition.

Link : https://www.amu.ac.in/news/2025/4/13/amu-french-student-selected-for-prestigious-international-internship-in-france

Dr. Mayuresh Kumar from the Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), participated in the 10th India-LAC Business Conclave, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Dr. Kumar had the prestigious role of serving as an interpreter for India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during high-level discussions with leaders from the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. The conclave, themed “Advancing Economic Alliances for Collaborative Growth,” focused on trade, healthcare, renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital services.

The event brought together government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, and academicians to enhance economic cooperation between India and LAC nations. Prof. Muhammad Azhar, Dean, Faculty of International Studies, congratulated Dr. Kumar, stating that his contribution would inspire students to pursue foreign languages.

 Link:- https://www.amu.ac.in/news/2025/3/26/amu-faculty-participates-in-10th-india-lac-business-conclave

Harsh Chaudhary, a PhD scholar from the Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected for a prestigious summer training program at the University of Salamanca, Spain—one of Europe's oldest and most esteemed institutions.

He earned his place under the highly competitive initiative “Ayudas para profesores/as noveles o futuros profesores/as de Español como Lengua Extranjera procedentes de la India”, designed to support aspiring educators of Spanish as a Foreign Language from India. The three-week program will provide intensive training in Spanish language teaching methodologies.

Out of 180 applicants, only 20 were selected, with five placed on a waitlist. The official results are published on the University of Salamanca’s website.

Dr. Mayuresh Kumar, Harsh’s PhD supervisor, congratulated him on this achievement, while Prof. Muhammad Azhar, Dean of the Faculty, lauded the Department of Foreign Languages for its students' continued success in securing prestigious academic opportunities.

Four regular and one graduated students from the Chinese Division, Department of Foreign Languages (DFL), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), successfully cleared the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) during the 2024-2025 academic session, held in Mumbai and Kathmandu, Nepal.

The achievers include final-year postgraduate student Mohd Azeem and first-year Master’s students Md Aminul Hasan Sk, Muhammad Adil, and Abdul Aziz. Abaan, who graduated from the department last year, successfully cleared the HSK-5 exam.

Mohd Azeem also cleared the UGC-NET June 2024 examination with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Chinese, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 3.

Prof. Muhammad Azhar, Chairman of the department and Dean, Faculty of International Studies, congratulated the students on their achievement.