# Asian and African Languages

**Source**: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/programms/graduate/asian-and-african-languages
**Parent**: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/programms/graduate

58.04.01 
*In Russian*

Level of education Master

Type of instruction Full-time

Duration 2 years

Programme description

- The master's programme ‘Asian and African Languages’ is aimed at developing in students a holistic understanding of Asian/African languages, alongside key issues in modern linguistics. Students also study in depth one or more Asian/African languages
- In addition to developing practical skills in speaking one or more Asian/African languages and the ability to formulate clear research aims and objectives, students receive a solid theoretical basis for future linguistic research.  The programme introduces them to modern concepts of linguistics, its fundamental issues and essential scientific literature. They receive knowledge of: the laws that apply to a language; the integrated application of general linguistics methods to describe Asian/African languages and define their kinship; and the principles of constructing their genealogical classification and word etymology
- While studying in the academic programme, students acquire the skills of: analysing critically and independently the data obtained in the course of their research; and preparing the findings of their research for publication in national and international journals

Main courses

- Philosophy of Language
- Concepts of Modern Asian and African Studies
- Logic and Methodology of Research
- Concepts of Modern Linguistics
- Methodological Fundamentals of Linguistic Research
- English / Spanish / German / French
- Internship. Research Work
- The language block of Asian/African languages
- Comparative, Typological and Contrastive Linguistics / Typology of Verbal Aspect
- General Morphology / Theory of Speech Communication
- Text Linguistics / Ethno- and Sociolinguistics
- Quantitative Characteristics of Different Text Genres / General Syntax
- Semiotics and Communication Theory

##### Elective courses

- Introduction to the General Theory of Translation (Asian and African Languages) / Comparative, Typological and Contrastive Linguistics

Our advantages

- The programme trains specialists with the requisite professional skills, including cultural and linguistic ones. Graduates are ready to carry out research, academic, educational, expert, analytical, translation, interpreting, practical and organisational activities in the field of the linguistics of Asian/African countries and peoples
- Years of experience in teaching oriental languages are combined with the latest teaching methods and technology
- Students have access to: unique electronic resources in Russian, Oriental and Western languages; and the branch of the M Gorky Scientific Library. Its collection includes: more than 300,000 volumes of scientific, educational, fiction and periodical literature in all target languages; a collection of ancient manuscripts and xylographica; and rare and unique books and lithographs

Teaching staff

- Alexander Zheltov, Doctor of Philology, Professor in the Department of African Studies; expert in African linguistics, linguistic typology, noun classes in Niger-Congo languages, role typology, and kinship terminology systems; author of over 120 scholarly publications
- Apollinariia Avrutina, Doctor of Philology, Professor in the Department of Theory and Methodology of Teaching Languages and Cultures of Asian and African Countries; Director of the Centre for Contemporary Turkish Studies and Russia-Türkiye Relations; expert in the phonology and morphonology of agglutinative languages; author of over 70 publications; a well-known literary translator from Turkish
- Elena Emelchenkova, Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor in the Department of Theory and Methodology of Teaching Languages and Cultures of Asian and African Countries; expert in Chinese linguistics and linguistic typology; author of more than 60 publications

Main areas of research

- Asian and African languages
- The sphere of interaction with Asian/African countries and peoples
- Russian, regional and international organisations interacting with Asian/African countries and peoples

Career opportunities

##### Professions

- Teacher of additional education for children and adults
- Teacher of professional training, vocational education, and lifelong professional education and training
- Expert in education
- Museum curator
- Guide
- Specialist in organisational and document support for corporate management
- Media correspondent
- Media editor
- Translator/interpreter

[This webpage may contain outdated information. The programme descriptions and admission requirements for the 2026/2027 academic year are currently being updated. For the latest information on 2026/2027 admission, please visit the Admissions Office website.](https://abiturient.spbu.ru/en/)

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