Bratislava, November 6-7, 2025 – The Faculty of Applied Languages at the Bratislava University of Economics and Business celebrated the 15th anniversary of its founding this year and organized the fifteenth edition of the international scientific conference Foreign Languages in the Changes of Time XV. The event reflected on the role of languages in a rapidly changing world, considering technological, social and cultural developments.
The teaching and research of foreign languages is taking on new significance today. Globalisation, migration, artificial intelligence and hybrid working environments are changing the way we communicate and perceive the world around us. This is why the conference focused on language as a tool for understanding, cooperation and cultural identity.
A highlight of this anniversary edition was the participation of ambassadors from countries whose languages are taught at the Faculty of Applied Languages. Thefollowing speakers appeared during the opening ceremony:
Michael Braun, Head of the Political Department of the British Embassy, H.E. Dr. Thomas Kurz, Ambassador of Germany,
H.E. Gianclemento de Felice, Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Dr. Johannes Wimmer, Ambassador of Austria,
H.E. Ms. Sofía Ruiz del Árbol Moro, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, H.E. Mr. Nicolas Suran, Ambassador of France.
Their joint participation emphasised the faculty's close links with the diplomatic and cultural community, and emphasised the importance of language as a means of fostering understanding between nations. The speeches resonated with themes of cooperation, multilingualism and intercultural dialogue, particularly in times of geopolitical and technological change.
This year, the faculty reached an important milestone – it was established in 2010 in response to the growing need to combine language skills with economic, social and cultural context, building on the Bratislava University of Economics and Business's long tradition of foreign language teaching. Today, it offers modern Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes focusing on foreign languages and intercultural communication. From the 2025/26 academic year, it will also offer doctoral studies in Applied Foreign Languages in Professional Communication. This step will strengthen the faculty's scientific and research base, expanding opportunities for young linguists and experts in international communication.
The Faculty of Applied Languages plays a key role in developing linguistic and cultural literacy in society, playing an important role in connecting the academic and professional worlds. Through teaching, research and collaboration with institutions, businesses and cultural centres, the faculty prepares professionals who can communicate effectively in an international environment, understand cultural differences and contribute to the development of diplomacy, trade and social relations. The faculty promotes multilingualism, cultural dialogue and openness — values that are essential for a modern, Europe oriented society.
The Faculty of Applied Languages combines language, culture, and professional practice, and this is precisely where the added value lies that our faculty brings not only to its students but also to society as a whole.
The diplomatic part was followed by a plenary lecture by Dr. Troy Wiwczaroski from the University of Debrecen.
We rounded off the first day of the conference with a pleasant gathering at a festive reception celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Faculty of Applied Languages.
The second day of the conference continued with scientific sections divided by language – English, German, Russian, and Slovak.
Experts from several countries discussed modern methods of language education, critical thinking, artificial intelligence in language teaching, as well as identity, translation, and media.
The Faculty of Applied Languages has once again proven its integral role at the Bratislava University of Economics and Business by hosting the highly successful Foreign Languages in the Course of Time XV anniversary conference, which brought together the university's scientific, academic and cultural communities.
