Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales

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The Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO) is located in Paris, France. It was founded in 1795 under the French Revolution and is now one of the country's Grands établissements with a specialization in Asian languages and civilisations. It is often colloquially called Langues O (pronounced "lang-zo"), an abbreviation for "Langues Orientales".

Over 90 languages are taught at the INALCO, covering Asian, African, eastern European, South Pacific, Finno-Ugric and native American languages. INALCO offers beginner classes as well as Master and PhD courses. The INALCO is the French partner of the British SOAS which now teaches mainly Asian and African languages.

[edit] History

The institute was established March 30, 1795, by decree of the Convention nationale as the École spéciale des Langues orientales, with a mission to teach living Oriental languages "of recognized utility for politics and commerce". It first opened its doors within the Bibliothèque nationale, and grew steadily throughout the 19th century, adding new languages and incorporating the École des Jeunes de langues founded by Jean-Baptiste Colbert in 1669. In 1914 the institute was renamed the École nationale des langues orientales vivantes, then in 1968 the Centre universitaire des langues orientales vivantes, and finally in 1971 achieved its present name. In 1984 it became associated with the Université de la Sorbonne nouvelle.