Buryat State University opened a series of round table discussions on the theme of “Cooperation between the scientific community, local government, mass media, and the community at large.” The first discussion occurred on February 28th on “Language, information, culture and mass media in the Republic of Buryatia.”
Participants in the meeting include representatives of local media outlets: B.B. Khartaev of “BuryadUnen,” T. Zondueva of “InformPolis,” N.P. Buduev of “Moskovskiy Komsomolets in Buryatia,” A.P. Bazarkhandaev of Baikal-Press, L.P. Shishmareva of “Ekos,” and T.A. Dugarzhapov of “Novaya Buryatia.” There were also representatives from various TV stations in the Republic.
BSU’s representatives included I.K. Sharankhaev, vice rector for scientific research, A.V. Kozulin, vice rector for social policy and educational work, D.I. Buraev, director of the Eastern Institute, P.P. Dasnimaeva, director for the Institute of Philology and Mass Communication, A.P. Maiorov, PhD, N.I. Badmaeva, head of the department of journalism and advertising, B.D. Tsyrendorzhieva, head of the department of Buryat language and teaching methodology, L.T. Khalkharova, head of the department of Buryat literature, and N.V. Nagush, head of the department of German and French.
The following questions were discussed:
1. Methods to defend and develop the official languages of the Republic. The work of the center for linguistic and textual expertise for preserving the honor and worthiness of the citizenry.
2. The culture of oral speech. Foreigners’ point of view: “why don’t they like Russians abroad?”
3. Independent media research: measuring content and ratings of media in the Republic of Buryatia. Socially oriented advertisements as an effective instrument of cultural action.
As A.V. Kozulin noted: “this round table was announced to demonstrate the scientific and educational potential of the university on a wide spectrum of issues.” In the future, there will be meetings to discuss such themes as: the economic development of the republic from the position of the scientific-educational community; the health and social benefits of the population; education in Buryatia; rights, morals, and justice in modern society and so on.
For their part media representatives expressed their feelings that such meetings are absolutely necessary. As T.A. Dugarzhalov noted, “this idea has matured for a long time and I would like to thank the University for its initiative.”
The end of the round table marked the drafting of a resolution, which, in part, declared that “Buryat State University, as a scientific-educational and socio-political institution, is open to fruitful cooperation and ready to voice its opinions as a community of experts in all spheres of life in the local community.”