On Monday, a group of Hungarian studies students from Krakow, Poznań, and Warsaw gathered once more at the Wacław Felczak Institute of Polish-Hungarian Cooperation. However, this wasn't your typical philologists' meeting; it was a captivating exploration into the nuances of business etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and the art of presentation. Agnieszka Barátka, the deputy director of the Felczak Institute, highlights that the purpose of these encounters with experts was to move Polish Hungarian enthusiasts beyond conventional philological thinking. The goal was to provide stimuli for consolidating their existing knowledge, acquiring new skills relevant to the daily life of every student, and preparing them for a conscious entry into the job market. The meeting of Hungarian studies enthusiasts, filled with education, culture, and history, will come to a close on Wednesday.
On Monday evening, the headquarters of the Felczak Institute in Warsaw's Mokotów district illuminated in Hungarian colors. Photo by AB
After intensive workshops, the participants watched the documentary film "In the Courier's Trail: Azimuth Hungary," directed by Grzegorz Kubaszka. The film served as inspiration for a discussion about the institute's patron, Professor Wacław Felczak, and reflections on the legacy of this distinguished historian and expert in Polish-Hungarian relations.
Source: YouTube
Historian and Polish studies professor István Kovács, along with the director of the Felczak Institute, Maciej Szymanowski, shared their personal memories of Wacław Felczak and their knowledge of his scholarly legacy. The discussion went beyond Professor Felczak's academic authority or his favorite places in Budapest, delving into fascinating aspects of the documentary filmmaking process: the role of artificial intelligence in production, casting choices, and even plans for creating a feature film.
In the discussion about Professor Wacław Felczak, participants included (from right to left) Maciej Szymanowski, Director of the Felczak Institute, Maciej Szymanowski, a Polish studies professor and historian, and the documentary filmmaker about Professor, Grzegorz Kubaszko. The meeting was moderated by editor Marcin Bąk. Photo by AK
On Tuesday, November 28th, at 10 a.m., the guests will be warmly welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Modern Languages at the University of Warsaw, Prof. Robert Małecki, the head of the Department of Hungarian Studies at the University of Warsaw, Dr. Csilla Gizińska, the Ambassador of Hungary to Poland, Dr. Zsuzsanna Orsolya Kovács, and the director of the Felczak Institute, Maciej Szymanowski. The participants can look forward to interesting lectures - Prof. István Kovács will talk about "Two nations have united in us...," and Dr. hab. Róbert Milbacher from the University of Pécs will give a lecture titled "Petőfi, a normaszegő" ("Petőfi, the norm-breaker"). Dr. Csilla Gizińska will also have a conversation with the author of the book "Legendahántás," Róbert Milbacher.
Participants of the meeting will also take part in a recitation contest of Sándor Petőfi's poetry, as well as in a concert by "Nagy Albert és zenekara." The Tuesday evening will conclude with Hungarian karaoke at Singers Music Bar. On Wednesday, the participants of the Hungarian studies meeting will explore the Warsaw Uprising Museum together.
Source: YouTube
In November 2022, the inaugural gathering of Polish students from Hungarian studies centers in Krakow, Poznań, and Warsaw convened at the Felczak Institute. The occasion saw representatives from these diverse Hungarian studies programs presenting their respective institutions. Activities included participation in a student scientific symposium, attendance at lectures spanning Hungarian weaponry, history, translation art, and winemaking. The students also actively participated in an engaging educational game designed to foster integration.
(J)