Guzal Rakhimova,
Head of the Department of Translation Theory and Practice, Urgench State University, Associate Professor.
In today’s rapidly globalizing world, languages are no longer merely tools of communication—they have become bridges of understanding, cooperation, and shared vision among nations. Particularly, academic collaboration between countries of diverse languages, religions, and cultures serves as a vital intersection for meaningful intercultural exchange. The growing ties between Uzbekistan and Slovenia in the fields of education and science exemplify such fruitful dialogue.
During my visit to the University of Primorska in Slovenia in April of this year, I had the opportunity to give lectures and presentations on applied linguistics, translation theory, and intercultural communication. These engagements contributed to strengthening academic relations between universities of both countries. Situated in the city of Koper, this prestigious university is distinguished by its international approach, multilingual education system, and strong focus on practical research—making it a valuable platform for knowledge and experience exchange for scholars from Uzbekistan.
The lectures not only explored scholarly perspectives in linguistics and translation studies but also provided rich insights into the Uzbek language and culture. These presentations, warmly received by Slovene students and professors, sparked interest in Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage. Likewise, students at the University of Primorska shared compelling information about their native language, literature, and traditions—highlighting the reciprocal and sustainable nature of intercultural dialogue.
In recent years, cooperation in the field of translation between the two countries has gained particular importance. Within academic initiatives at Urgench State University, issues such as translation methodology, cultural realia, and contextual adaptation between Uzbek and Slovene languages have been actively discussed. Among students, seminars under the theme “Uzbek and Slovene Legends: History in Words” were held to explore how oral traditions, myths, and folklore can convey cultural values through language.
From a comparative linguistic perspective, Uzbek and Slovene belong to different language families, yet they share several structural features. For example, both languages make extensive use of affixation to create new meanings from word roots. Moreover, both literatures are rich in thematic content and deeply embedded with historical and national values. People of both nations consider their languages as powerful expressions of national identity and cultural spirit. This shared appreciation opens promising avenues for future cooperation in linguistics and literary studies.
Collaboration between Urgench State University and the University of Primorska has become increasingly active in recent years. Joint research projects, guest lectures, and academic exchanges involving students and faculty are enriching the scope and depth of this partnership. Visits by UrSU scholars such as Elyor Yuldashev, Murodjon Nazarov, and Hojimurod Matmuratov have played a pivotal role in advancing bilateral academic dialogue. In addition, internships by UrSU students at the University of Primorska are significantly enhancing their professional and intercultural competencies.
This cooperation is also being actively supported within the framework of European Erasmus+ programs. Urgench State University is engaged not only with the University of Primorska but also with the University of Ljubljana under these initiatives. Erasmus+ offers students invaluable international exposure, deepens their understanding of linguistic and cultural differences and similarities, and familiarizes them with global academic standards—thus making the learning process more interactive and internationally oriented.
Currently, Professor Neva Čebron’s ongoing academic work at Urgench State University is elevating bilateral cooperation to a new level. Her contributions in applied linguistics and translation studies are of practical significance for Uzbekistan’s education system. In particular, the implementation of European Master’s in Translation (EMT) standards is helping align translation education in Uzbekistan with international benchmarks.
Such international cooperation plays a crucial role in the reform of translation education in Uzbekistan. By learning from Europe’s best practices in standardized curricula, assessment criteria, and professional competencies, Uzbekistan has the opportunity to further develop its national education system. Ultimately, this will increase the competitiveness of Uzbek students and translators in the global labor market.
In conclusion, linguistic and cultural exchanges serve to strengthen mutual respect and understanding between peoples. The Uzbek–Slovene dialogue, rooted in language and shared cultural appreciation, is a compelling example of this. Through language, nations come to understand one another, embrace tolerance, and draw closer. The evolving partnership between Uzbekistan and Slovenia is poised to grow even stronger across science, education, and culture in the years to come.