Mexico representative donates books to languages and literature department

Birzeit University gratefully welcomes a gift of books from the Representative Office of Mexico in Palestine. The representative Pedro Blanco Perez presented the books to university president Abdullatif Abuhijleh in a special ceremony, held on campus on February 10, 2020.

Attending the ceremony were the president’s assistant Aziz Shawabka, Acting Chairperson of the Department of Languages and Translation Adnan Abuayyash, and Director of the External Academic Relations Office Amir Khalil.

The books, all in Spanish, are specialized works on the history, literature, arts, sociology and culture of Mexico.

Abuhijleh explained that Birzeit University is continuously engaged in increasing its international activities in all disciplines, particularly by building bridges with countries around the world to facilitate knowledge of other cultures and languages. “The Spanish language,” he emphasized, “is one of the most important languages in the world. An understanding of the identity, culture and language of Latin countries enriches our students’ social practices and develops their awareness of the Spanish language’s impact on the world.”

Perez asserted his country’s commitment to the promotion of the Spanish language, especially when it comes to teaching the language and spreading its culture. He expressed his readiness for cooperation and his willingness to help facilitate the teaching of Spanish language courses at the university and to build a complete Spanish language program.

Abu Ayyash presented what Spanish courses are currently offered by the university as elective courses, supported and funded by the Spanish and Argentinian consulates. He explained that the department’s outlook is to develop a minor program in the teaching of the Spanish Language.