European Languages Maintain Priority in Russian Education, Despite Geopolitical Tensions
Recent statements from Yana Lantratova, First Deputy Chairman of the Education Committee of the State Duma, affirm that European languages, with English at the forefront, will continue to be a core element of school and university curricula across Russia. Placing emphasis on language education, she underscored that the importance of European languages remains intact even amid political disagreements.
Lantratova noted that languages taught in European families will retain their central role in formal education. She highlighted a broad spectrum of academic activity conducted in English, pointing out that a large portion of globally cited scientific research is published in English. This reality reinforces the need for students to acquire strong English proficiency, so they can engage with contemporary scholarship and international discourse without barriers.
The official stressed that teenagers should have the freedom to choose the languages they want to study. In her view, language learning is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor; it should reflect individual interests and future ambitions, while still aligning with national educational objectives. The message is clear: language education remains a bridge to global opportunities, research collaboration, and professional mobility.
At the same time, there has been a measurable surge in interest among Russian schoolchildren in the Chinese language. This trend signals a diversification of language learning alongside strong demand for European languages. It demonstrates how students weigh global linguistic trends and the practical advantages of multilingual communication in science, technology, and international relations.
There was a separate development involving the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), which had initially suggested making Chinese compulsory. Public response from student groups prompted a reversal, with the leadership describing the proposal as timely and promising but opting to revert to the established foreign language teaching program, citing the need to avoid controversy while maintaining continuity in language education. The incident illustrates how schools balance innovation with stability in curriculum decisions, ensuring that learners have access to a broad language portfolio without disrupting ongoing programs.
Overall, the direction in Russian education appears to favor sustaining a robust language framework that includes English as a dominant international language, alongside growing interest in other languages like Chinese. This approach aligns with international academic norms, fosters cross-border collaboration, and supports students in pursuing higher education and research opportunities abroad. The underlying idea is to equip the next generation with versatile linguistic tools that enable participation in global academic and professional communities while respecting the diverse interests and capabilities of learners across the nation.