At the end of May the initiator of a number of interestingprojects and innovations the Department of English Philology hosted the well-known American writer, poet laureate of the Navajo Nation, Professor of English at the University of Arizona Luci Tapahonso and her husband Dr. Robert Martin, President of the Institute of American Indian Arts. The guests were invited to Georgia by the USE mbassy to take part in the Tbilisi International Festival of Literature.

Luci and Robert knew a lot about Georgia from our honorary and very special friends Professors of English and American Literature from New-Mexico University, the US, Connie and James Thorson. They got interested in Kutaisi and decided to visit AkakiTsereteli State University and the Department of English Philology.

Luci known for wonderful reading of her works held an unforgettable evening of poetry and introduced to us the unique culture, customs and traditions of her Navajo people. It was interesting for Georgian listeners to discover that despite a very long distance separating the two continents and different history of Georgian and Navajo peoples, we have a lot in common - awareness of our roots, the knowledge of and respect to our traditions and family values.

The guests had an unexpected surprise when they heard one of Luci’s poems beautifully translated into Georgian by Luca Dvalishvili, the Deputy Dean of the Philological Faculty, Associate Professor of the Georgian Philology Department.

Luci’s poem about creation of the Universe in which she weaved the stories and myths of her people reminded us the old Georgian pre Christian legends about the land which like mother feeds us and gives strength to exist. The meeting resulted in a decision of the Department of English Philology and the Department of Georgian Philology to do a joint project of translation and publication of our guest’s poems.

The project is of great interest to Georgian readers as Luci Tapahonso is a brilliant representative of Native American Literature, the literary movement which has also been known for literary critics as “The Indian Renaissance” since the 60s of XX century. The translation will enable Georgian readers and scholars to get to know better the world modern literary processes.

Another result of the meeting with Luci Tapahonso and Robert Martin is the translation of her stories New Boots and A Tune-Up which will be done by students. The winners will be awarded Professor James Thorson’s Prize. The best translations willbe published in the Department bilingual almanac and the University newspaper.

The deadline for presenting translations is June 24, 2015.

Whilst in Kutaisi, the guests of the Department of English Philology got interested very much in our culture, traditions and Georgian cuisine. They noted that the Georgian tradition of toast making which resembles them Indian storytelling and the tradition of getting together to recollect their ancestors is a great way to preserve the identity and to survive.

Associate Professor Tamar Kobeshavidze

Head of Literature Studies
Department of English Philology, ATSU

It is a chilly but beautiful autumn morning, an astounding atmosphere of the start of the studies reigns through the whole university, with just five minutes to go and the entrance bell rings, the lecturers and students all together are rushing towards the audience rooms at a hastening pace. It seems that everything is the same as it was last year, at that time, though there is something new in the air, and one can inadvertently become aware that part of this novelty is a gorgeously handsome and charismatic young man, distinguished from others by his simple, innocent appearance and frisky manner of walking, whose kind, open and frank features immediately enchant you, and subconsciously, it comes to your mind that he must be undoubtedly a smart, educated and interesting person. This is only half what one could observe of him, Alexander (Alex) Langstaff from the U.S. state of Colorado.

This academic year the English Philology Department is being visited by the most talented youth, one of the successful graduates from Colorado University, Alexander (Alex) Langstaff. Within the framework of the Fulbright exchange program, this is his first visit to Georgia. The reason for his stay in here is his scientific-research aspirations. In particular, he is interested in the mysteries of the world’s ancient civilization, including the history of Georgia. As he states, the peoples’ historical background is usually revealed in the most excellent way through their archive heritage. Therefore, because of his willingness to better study and understand the roots of the Georgians’ existence and self-identity, at this stage, he is exploring the national archives of Georgia.

It is noteworthy that Alex, upon his first arrival at our university, caught our instant attention through his individual, creative thinking and boundless mindset. He deserved a great respect and tremendous warmth both from the colleagues and the students. Alex is very kind, thoughtful and friendly, everyone is treated equally on his part, irrespective of their age and status. His devotion to work, being tireless in his efforts, modesty, wisdom, knowledge, positive attitude, unreserved enthusiasm, and his wish for the constant change for better - these are the characteristics that make him look very distinguished, the properties that are peculiar to his personality.

Alex is actively involved in the learning-educational activities of the English Philology Department and the Language Centre. He gained a lot of popularity among the students through his interesting and in-depth lectures. Within Alex what seems to be the most appealing to youths is that he shows a unique attitude towards them. The latter implies demonstrating their inner strengths and capabilities to the maximum, their personal growth and development, and harnessing the skills of critical thinking and independent work as well.

Alex has earned deep respect and great admiration from the students, indeed. We would like to share some of their impressions with you herein.

Nino Meskhi: “Alex is a very friendly, warm and open person. My friends and I always look forward to his lectures. He is a young lecturer of the extreme knowledge. We are aware of that, and we are trying to take this opportunity to the best of our ability.”

Marta Totadze: “All of us take great pleasure in attending Alex’s lecture. His lesson is a classic case of excellent teaching. Together with him learning is a very pleasant process, we never get tired of that, we feel he has a strong passion for the subject and this is spreading.”

Nie Zheng thinks that Alex has a powerful emotional influence; they walk out of his lectures feeling that they can do things easily - can read better, write better, learn better, think better. He is very organized. His lectures are creative and unpredictable.

In Semsi Gul Turkmen’s opinion, Alex is the person who they want to listen to and ask questions of. He differs from others the way that he always creates the environment for them to speak, think and express their ideas freely. Being with him, there is a feeling that, in the first place, he is a friend, and in the second place - a teacher, they owe him a great deal.

Thus, we, together with the students, can talk about Alex on and on, characterize him endlessly as a person and as a professional, since he himself is the embodiment of the faithfulness to high moral character and the values of recognized professionalism.

Kristine Dzagnidze

Doctor of Philology

On the initiative of the English Philology Department the annual international conference on ‘British, American and Georgian Cultural Studies’ was held at Akaki Tsreteli State University Green Hall on the 25-th of April, 2015. This conference helps students not only express themselves and their creativity, but also it helps them develop self-confidence, professionalism and improve their communication skills.

Students of English Language and Literature and secondary school level took part in the conference. The opening of the conference was made by the Rector of Akaki Tsereteli State University Prof. Giorgi Gavtadze and then the Head of the English Philology Department Assoc. Prof. Nino NIjaradze warmly greeted the students and guests and wished them good luck and success.

There were three speakers on plenary session-2 students-Vika Koguashvili-‘Non-verbal communication’ and Gvanca Nikoleishvili ‘Georgian and British Lifestyles’ and Mariam Shvelidze-‘Kutaisi and Newport’ from No9 Public School. The topics took a great interest and hot debates were held. This made the participants have warm and close relationship with each other.

AAfter the plenary this pleasant meeting continued in an open air in the garden ‘Romeo and Juliet’ where students read wonderful sonnets of a great poet William Shakespeare. Students from the secondary schools became very interested in this public reading.

After a little break conference went on working in sections. Very interesting and various topics were presented by the students at the conference. They revealed their deep knowledge and individual approach to the English Language. Students showed their perfect use of language skills. They talked about the similarities and differences in the life of young generation and discussed modern issues which are the main characteristics of our youth. In their speech students emphasized the positive and negative sides of using the modern technology. It is worth mentioning that participants themselves used modern technology quite well and they also had colourful and informatively correct compiled posters. After each topic there were very interesting questions on which the participants had right, comprehensive explanations.

Participants of the conference were assessed by the lecturers of the English Philology Department and also by an American expert Alex Langstaff. Alex knows the students of English Language and Literature very well as he delivers lectures and has everyday relationship with them. He definitely knows their abilities and great interest to learning English Language, but Alex was quite amazed when he listened to the secondary school students. He emphasized their critical thinking and interesting discussion which was followed after each presentation.

At the end of the conference committee assessed the results and participants with the highest honours were awarded with the certificates. The following results are for students: I prize-Salome Chubinidze and Salome Dzagnidze. II prize- Nino Mamasaxlisi and Lana Alavidze, Tamar Ketiladze, Diana Sulamanidze and Mariam Avaliani. III prize-Nie Ziwei, Salome Khundadze and Salome Cheishvili, Elene Bokichava and Guranda Kapanadze.

AThe results of students from the secondary schools are as follows:

I prize - Nutsa Tsirekidze (No 9 Public School)
Mariam Shvelidze (No 9 Public School)
Shalva Otkhozoria (St. Nino School No 3)

II prize - Nino Gvinianidze (No 2 Public School)
Irina Cheishvili (No 2 Public School)
Teo Adamadze (No 9 Public School)

III prize - Tamar Chagelishvili (No 1 Public School)
Tamar Gvelesiani (No1 Public School)
Elene Shengelia (No 1 Public School)
Tea Apridonidze (No 1 Public School)
Tiko Chkhetia (No 1 Public School)
Ketevan Siadze (No 2 Public School)
Sopo Alpaidze (No 2 Public School)
Nia Chechelashvili (St. Nino school No 3)
Devi Liklikadze (St. Nino school No 3)
Berdia Jajanidze (St. Nino school No 3)
Ani Gabisiani (No 7 Public School)

AAll other participants were given the certificates of participation. The very last and exciting part of the conference ended in the Green Hall where Alex Langstaff rewarded the participants with the certificates and where all participants took memorable photos with him.

We are looking forward to the next conference

Assistant-prof. Irma Rusadze

English Philology Department

On April 30 a traditional spring meeting was held at the English Speaking Club of the English Philology Department. This time the meeting was organized as a poetry event devoted to the theme of love. The club members and guests - representatives of the Faculty of Humanities - built up an exceptionally romantic atmosphere and added another attractive page to the history of the club.

The meeting was opened by the president of the club - the second-year MA student of English Language and Literature Tamta Amiranashvili. After the welcoming speech she gave the floor to the Georgian and foreign club members, who read pieces of the Georgian, English, German, French, Turkish, Kazakh and Chinese poetry. Each poem was inspired by the theme of love in all its aspects and dimensions. The meeting was also attended by the American guest Alex Langstaff, who read a poem by his favourite poet. Alex has been in Georgia as a Fulbrighter for several months already. He efficiently cooperates with the English Philology Department and is an active participant of almost every event organized by the department. The audience was also fascinated by the musical talent of the club members who performed Georgian, English and French romantic songs accompanied by piano and guitar tunes.

The meeting made it obvious once again that the English Speaking Club is one of the most splendid aspects of university life - a guarantee of professional and personal growth. The club members welcome lots of special guests and make new friends. They are given a wonderful opportunity to test and develop their abilities and to increase their knowledge of the world related to their future career.

A few years ago, as a student, I enjoyed a great honour and happiness in being the president of the club. Everything associated with the club is particularly precious to me. I highly appreciate the intelligence and initiative of the new generation and their commitment to the club. With much respect, pride and gratitude I would like to emphasize the contribution to the club made by Lyalya Kobeshavidze - the architect of the club activities throughout many years, a distinguished teacher and one of the most respected members of the English Philology Department. She has initiated a number of outstanding traditions of the club and has raised numerous generations of club members. At present the club is supervised by her former student, an intelligent and enthusiastic teacher - Ana Cholokava, who successfully continues the traditions of the club.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the participants of the meeting and wish them lots of success for the future.

Nino Tavidashvili

Doctor of Philology