Penza, 20 November 2014. PenzaNews. The French language resource center has been opened at historical and philological faculty of Penza State University on Thursday, November 20. According to professor Oleg Yagov, the dean of the faculty, PhD in Historical Sciences, this is a significant event the university has been waiting for a long time.

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In his words, the preparation for the opening was so intense that “a slight odor of paint” was still in the air.

Gabriel Kotchofa, Ambassador of the Republic of Benin in Russia, addressing the audience and stressed that PSU resource centre is very promising.

“What is a language? It is first of all a tool of communication. It is not so important which language is mastered, because any language is wealth. I was born in Benin, where French is the official language, and 10 million residents speak 113 dialects. Unfortunately, to date, I know only eight languages,” he said, and the audience responded with applause.

Gabriel Kotchofa added that he already considers the Russian language his native one.

“Touching the culture, the traditions of this great country, I became a different person. Today, I think in Russian, I love the Russian language, I'm happy,” he said.

The Ambassador also drew attention to the fact that currently French is spoken by almost 274 million people, it is a national language in 32 countries, and in 57 countries around the world teach this language and use it to communicate.

“I am happy that Penza is interested in learning French. I am sincerely glad that the university leadership is doing everything to ensure that French is available to all of us. I appeal to the youth: you live in a global world. Any language, especially such promising as French, is important,” he said.

The resource center will contribute to dissemination of knowledge about traditions and culture of France, organize cultural and educational activities and methodical work, as well as support and develop international contacts and projects.