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Article: Small is sometimes beautiful: studying 'minor' languages at university with particular reference to Belarus.
- Article from:
- The Modern Language Review
- Article date:
- October 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Modern Humanities Research Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In British universities there is an ongoing reduction of cultural courses, particularly foreign languages, many of which are under threat. The study of small or 'minor' subjects, however, offers real advantages to students and scholars alike, but minimal conditions for academics include appropriate libraries, job security, and a willingness to forswear collective work. Belarusian studies are an extreme example, and in this address the history and present situation of Belarus, as well as some of the aspects of its literature and criticism, are reviewed. Consideration is also given to the particular contribution that foreign scholars can make to their chosen 'small' ...