NOURNEWS - The Dehkhoda lexicon institute and International Centre for Persian Studies (ICPC), jointly and diligently engaged in teaching and dissemination of Persian language and culture. The centre, under the prestigious University of Tehran - the leading education citadel in the country - and of the top ranked in the Middle-east and the world, plays significant role in promoting educational, diplomatic and economic endeavors not on bilateral or multilateral relations but on relatively global scale.
Realistically, students in ICPS are not solely acquainted with the Persian language and culture, but to a large extent introduced to multilateral cultures especially from Europe, Asia, and Africa. For the over three decades of its existence, the centre has dramatically contributed in dissemination and promotion of the Persian educational and cultural legacies to other parts of the world. Yes, there are other institutes similarly engaged, especially in religious universities with relatively higher capacities, but ICPS stands distinct regarding the caliber and diversity of its students. The great men behind the historic lexicon were Ali Akbar Dehkhoda; after whom it was named. He planned a presentable compilation of Persian lexicon around 1915. Following his demise in 1955, and in line with his will, Professor Mo'in headed the organization with Professors Siaghi and Jafari as lieutenants. Apparently, Prof. Mahmoud Afshar's endowment provided a permanent seat for the institute. An invaluable achievement was the successful compilation of the 50 - volume lexicon in 1980. Establishment of ICPS by UT was achieved in 1989, consequent to Prof. Shahidi's proposal, the pioneer head of the Centre.
At ICPS, the main purpose of studies ranges from diplomacy, business and education in different majors at undergraduate and graduate levels. Generally, classes commence from pre-elementary to stages of elementary, intermediate and advanced. The duration in the institute usually varies depending on individual’s majors, commitment and personal obligations after basics in universities. Equally, the Centre offers a flexible legal backing for people wishing to stay in the country on their own ends. Diplomacy, employment, business, and nuptial ties are among other reasons for learning Persian language in Germany, France, China, Korea and Japan among others for which it is taught at various capacities.
In 2019, the head of Persian Language in Edinburgh University; Scotland, paid a courtesy call on the Director of ICPS, Dr. Ali Darzi. Admiring the Persian teaching method and quality in the Centre, Dr. Pak-Shiraz expressed determination to send more students to Iran. On his part, after a highlight on the facilities in University of Tehran, the Director, said the Centre was ready to commence additional courses for Persian scholars, send relevant teaching materials for the University and exchange of views.
As part of the pull factors, the marvelous success of Islamic revolution is a pride to Iranian nation resulting in multidimensional achievements in the fields of education, science and technology; multifaceted support to the world oppressed; active participation in matters relating to cultures; intelligent promotion of the original message of Islam on the principle of unity and justice; greater strides in domestic and regional security, improvement in healthcare, agriculture, economy, aviation, transport, diplomacy, social welfare and private sector. A very unique achievement is efficient role in security; exporting the Islamic revolutionary ideas for Muslim world to actualize Islamic values, self-reliance and socio-economic stability. Besides its normal classes, the ICPS observes periodic public events. A recent function remarkably observed with spirit of hope and friendship was Nowruz, a traditional Iranian festival of spring which is also celebrated in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It marked the first day of Farvardin (first month) of Iranian solar calendar. A handbook on Dehkhoda lexicon and International Centre for Persian Studies was published and distributed. My pieces of advice going through its pages, is to be enriched to acquaint new students with basic rules of Islamic republic. And, in addition to that, a special programme could be introduced to orient new intake towards moral and academic excellence. Students’ views could be incorporated as well. With the shortcut achieved by some international students in Persian language from their countries, the significance of such centres cannot be over stated especially where high number of potential candidates exist. ICPS could consult embassies and foreign universities on bilateral ties for such memoranda of understanding.
The ICPS's current Director, Dr. Ali Darzi from the Department of Linguistics, University of Tehran is well experienced, broadminded and easily approachable. His open-door policy, no doubts, encourages both staff and students towards moral and academic excellence. Today, IPCS is a heterogeneous, multi-religious and multicultural Centre with students of different background studying peacefully and respectfully.
NOURNEWS