Arizona State University Critical Languages Institute

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Arizona State University Critical Languages Institute

The ASU Critical Languages Institute offers summer intensive language courses & summer study abroad.

10/06/2026

Waiting for something that will absolutely never happen? 🦞⛰️☁️🐖

In English, we say "when pigs fly" or "once in a blue moon." But the Russian language has a much more whimsical, terrain-defying perspective: "Kogda rak na gore svistnet" (Когда рак на горе свистнет) literally, "when a lobster whistles on a mountain." 🇷🇺

Humorous and completely absurd, this imagery perfectly captures the absolute impossibility of an event ever occurring. Since these aquatic crustaceans belong at the bottom of a body of water and entirely lack the anatomy required to whistle, waiting for one to hike up a mountain and pipe a tune is the ultimate exercise in waiting forever.

10/01/2026

• 🎉 The wait is officially OVER!!!!!!
Applications for the Critical Languages Institute are now OPEN! 🚀

Don’t miss your chance to dive into a new language and culture this coming summer. Visit https://melikian.asu.edu/cli to apply today!! 🌟✈️

Melikian Center: Russian, Eurasian & East European Studies

09/29/2026

TWO DAYS TO GO!!! 🌟🎉🗓️

Applications for ASU’s Critical Languages Institute open in just 3 days! Whether you want to learn a new language or advance your skills, CLI offers 11 different languages for a flat fee of $2,000, PLUS scholarships are available!

Don't miss out on your summer 2027 plans. 🛫

Melikian Center: Russian, Eurasian & East European Studies

20h

09/28/2026

It’s that time of year again! 🌟

Applications for ASU’s Critical Languages Institute open in just 3 days! Whether you want to learn a new language or advance your skills, CLI offers 11 different languages for a flat fee of $2,000 PLUS scholarships are available!

Don't miss out on your summer 2027 plans.

09/25/2026

Looking for a profound masterpiece that explores the hidden, spiritual dimensions of human existence? 🌲✨

Set against the turbulent backdrop of Europe before and during World War II, this monumental novel follows Stefan Viziru on a gripping spiritual quest. As he navigates the chaos of air raids and political shifts from Bucharest to Paris, he searches for a transcendent, timeless reality. Written by renowned Romanian author and philosopher of religion Mircea Eliade, the story beautifully weaves together folklore, deep philosophical questions, and historical drama into a brilliant, sweeping chronicle of human destiny, love, and the enduring quest for meaning.

This is a brilliant, essential piece of literature from Romania that everyone should read.

09/17/2026

When a Russian speaker mentions their "фамилия" (familiya), they aren't talking about their family. They are just telling you their last name. 🇷🇺🤯

Although it sounds almost identical to the English word, "family" is "семья" (semya). It is a quick reminder that shared phonetics rarely guarantee shared definitions, and mastering a language means navigating these exact cultural nuances.

09/15/2026

You’ll only ever see this in Poland… 🏰✨

Welcome to the stunning St. Kinga's Chapel inside the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Kraków, a breathtaking underground cathedral carved entirely out of rock salt. Located over 100 meters below the surface, this historical and artistic marvel symbolizes the deep-rooted heritage and incredible craftsmanship of the region.

Want to experience the rich culture, history, and languages of Central and Eastern Europe firsthand? Explore our language immersion programs and start your next global adventure! 🌐✈️

09/02/2026

September 2nd in Arizona means it is still absolutely roasting outside. 🌵☀️

When the desert heat hits like this, communities across Eurasia have relied on the exact same trick for generations to stay cool: Okroshka. ✨

This traditional Slavic cold soup combines a crisp blend of diced cucumbers, radishes, and fresh herbs swirled into a chilled, refreshing kefir or yogurt base. Light, tangy, and served completely ice-cold, it is a timeless cultural staple built specifically to beat the summer heatwave without ever turning on a stove. 🥣🌿

08/31/2026

🚨 REMINDER: We are meeting this Wednesday, September 2nd at 1:00 PM! 📚💡

If you saw our previous flyer post, this is your official sign to join! Don't forget to grab your spot for the undergraduate reading group led by Professor Henry Thomson, investigating how communist regimes collapsed in Eastern Europe but endured in Asia after 1989. 🌐✨

Come enjoy a catered lunch during our discussions and meet members of the Melikian Center community.

📍 Where: Durham Hall 240
👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer below to fill out the interest form right now!

08/28/2026

What an incredible turnout at last night’s Open House! 🎉 A massive thank you to our community, students, and guests for making the evening so special. The energy was amazing, and we are so grateful for your continued support of the Melikian Center.

Address

ASU Melikian Center Durham Hall #250 851 S Cady Mall MC 4202 Tempe AZ 85287
Tempe, AZ
85287

Website

http://cli.asu.edu/

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