News

The Day of Rescuers of Lithuanian Jews, 15 March, is an exceptional commemorative date dedicated to remembering and honouring the brave Lithuanian people who saved Jews during the Nazi occupation, risking the freedom and life of themselves and their families. The first official commemoration of this day took place on 15 March 2023, when the names of the Jewish rescuers – Righteous Among the Nations and Lithuanian citizens awarded the Life Saving Cross – were solemnly read in the Simonas Daukantas courtyard at Vilnius University (VU) in tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

“This is a special day that reminds us of the true splendour of humanity. With utmost respect and gratitude, we remember the brave, noble-hearted people who, even in the darkest moments of our history, did not succumb to fear – they remained dignified, they gave hope and, risking their freedom and life, saved others. It is especially important that this commemoration becomes not only meaningful, but also a cherished tradition,” said Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, honorary patron of the event.

This year, we invite you to mark this day and contribute to the commemoration of the rescuers’ memory at 15:00 on 17 March (Monday) in Simonas Daukantas courtyard at Vilnius University (Universiteto g. 5), by reading their names during the event.

The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania declared this date as commemorative for a significant reason – it was on 15 March 1966 that VU librarian Ona Šimaitė was honoured with the title of Righteous Among the Nations. Ona Šimaitė, who had permission to visit the Vilnius Ghetto in order to, allegedly, return books, established contact with the people imprisoned there when bringing in the bare necessities. On her way out, she saved manuscripts, valuable publications, and even people. During the Nazi occupation, she helped dozens of Jews for which she was arrested and sent to Dachau Concentration Camp.

“The third annual commemoration of the Day of Rescuers of Lithuanian Jews, organised by the Government and the University, demonstrates a meaningful new tradition. It is important that the commemoration is joined by as many different communities and young people as possible. We want history to remain preserved and become a lesson for responsible decisions of the present,” said VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas.

At the centre of this historical memory are ordinary but brave and humane people from different backgrounds: politicians, scientists, priests, teachers, peasants, artists. Among them – President of Lithuania Kazys Grinius, poet and playwright Balys Sruoga, Landsbergis and Sondeckis families, and the famous VU librarian Ona Šimaitė. All of them prove that in difficult times, noble values, respect for the life of others, and fidelity to humanity transcend fear.

Although the most important commemorative date is 15 March, various commemorations and events take place throughout the week or even month. In 2025, as every year, events are organised throughout Lithuania. 

This year, continuing the meaningful tradition, the commemoration is organised on 17 March at 15:00 in Simonas Daukantas courtyard at Vilnius University. During the event, the names of those who rescued Jews will be read in tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The event will be attended by the top government officials, politicians, families of the Jewish rescuers, members of Jewish Community of Lithuania, representatives of the international community, and VU lecturers and students.

If you wish to participate, please register in advance here. The event is open to the public; therefore, everyone who wishes to express gratitude and respect for those who were not afraid to help others during the war is welcome.

Credits: Jonas Paršeliūnas

We are thrilled to invite our dear partnerts to participate in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) "Orient in Lithuania and Turkology Studies", hosted by the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University!

This unique opportunity is designed specifically for academic and non-academic staff under the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training framework – following the same procedures and agreements as a standard training visit.

BIP Dates:

• Virtual Component: April 24, 2025
• Physical Mobility in Vilnius: May 12–16, 2025 

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
Main Language: Turkish

Why Join Us?

This BIP is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Lithuanian history, culture, and Turkology studies through engaging lectures, seminars, and field trips. Lithuania is home to diverse communities, including the Lithuanian Tatars and Karaites, who have contributed to the country’s rich cultural and historical landscape for centuries. Through this program, participants will:

• Gain in-depth knowledge of Lithuania’s multi-ethnic history and cultural contexts.
• Visit historical sites and museums to experience history first-hand.
• Engage with Turkologists from Turkey, Poland, and Germany, fostering professional and academic collaboration.
• Share their own experiences and expertise in an internationally enriching environment.

 Who Can Participate?

This BIP is open exclusively to university staff (both academic and administrative). Whether you are involved in teaching, research, or administration, this is a fantastic chance to broaden your perspectives and exchange best practices!

 How to Apply?

The process is simple! Since this BIP follows the same Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training procedures, all you need to do is nominate interested colleagues and guide them through the Erasmus+ mobility application at your institution.

For further details, please contact the Head of the BIP Prof. Galina Miškinienė by e-mail .

We would be delighted to welcome your staff members to Vilnius University, Faculty of Philology, and create a truly enriching experience together.
Looking forward to seeing you in Vilnius

You can find the program here.

On 3–7 March, Vilnius University (VU) is holding its first emotional well-being week “Let’s Talk About It” which is dedicated to open and professional discussion on the emotional challenges, health, and well-being of students. The aim of the week’s events is to raise mental health awareness as well as to foster a supportive community where everybody feels heard. The main focus will be put on the students – the stress they are under, the challenges they face in relationships, and the ways of improving their emotional health. The vision is for this emotional well-being week to become a tradition in the largest university in Lithuania.

“As an academic community, we place great emphasis on learning, growing, and improving; however, often forgetting the importance of taking care of our mental health and emotional resilience. That is why the emotional well-being week “Let’s Talk About It” is designed to facilitate understanding oneself and the relationship with oneself, others, and the environment,” says Sandra Četrauskienė, head of the Community Well-Being Division.

VU psychologists and specialists invite students to participate in various activities to learn more about supporting friends facing psychological challenges, creating a healthy relationship with oneself, recognising and managing academic stress, and international students are invited to share their experience with cultural differences. Another planned activity is art therapy, designed to deepen self-awareness through creative expression. The week will culminate in a discussion on sensitive topics of loneliness and seeking authenticity.

VU community comprises more than 24 thousand students whose growth as healthy and emotionally strong persons is as important as them gaining knowledge. Emotional health is not a strictly individual matter, it also involves building meaningful relationships, maintaining psychological resilience, and navigating academic and personal challenges.

To register for the events, click here.

PROGRAMME

Seminar “How to Support a Friend Facing Psychological Challenges?”(in Lithuanian)

We are all familiar with the feeling when someone confides in us, sharing their struggles, and we find ourselves uncertain about the right words to say or the best way to respond. In this seminar, a psychologist will share how to reach a place of calmness and certainty in difficult conversations.
Time: Monday, 3 March, 13:00–14:30
Place: Room 239, the central premises
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius

Seminar “Relationship with Oneself Following the Principles of Gestalt Therapy” (in Lithuanian)

What is my relationship with myself? What do I feel in the present moment? How to understand myself in fostering relationships with others? In this seminar, VU Community Psychologists will guide you on the journey of self-discovery following the principles of Gestalt therapy.
Time: Monday, 3 March, 15:00–16:30
Place: TSPMI Garden Conservatory
Address: Vokiečių g. 10, Vilnius

Workshop “Art Therapy – What Does My Inner World Look Like?” (in Lithuanian)

Embark on a vibrant journey of self-discovery, where art becomes a bridge between your inner world and the outside reality. This is a safe and open space for self-expression—where no painting is "good" or "bad," only unique experiences waiting to be explored together.

Time: Tuesday, 4 March, 13:00–14:30
Place: Room 238, the central premises
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius

Seminar “Studying with Stress and Anxiety Under Control – Mission Possible!” (in Lithuanian)

Pressure and anxiety are some of the most important challenges to overcome in order to reach your objectives in academics. It is essential to have tools to manage them when they become overwhelming.

Time: Wednesday, 5 March, 15:00–16:30
Place: Room 239, the central premises
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius

Open Discussion for International Students “Surviving Culture Shocks in Lithuania” (in English)

Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure that promises new horizons and exciting experiences. However, alongside the thrill often comes the encounter with culture shocks – those fascinating, yet confusing moments. Join us for an open discussion to talk about your unique experiences and connect with those on a similar journey.

Time: Wednesday, 5 March, 13:00–15:30
Place: Room 239, the central premises
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius

Discussion on Relationships and Authenticity “Feeling Lonely Amongst People” (in Lithuanian)

Everybody wishes to be heard and understood. However, showing your true self to others can sometimes be scary, causing feelings of uncertainty and fear of rejection. Here, the topic of authenticity will be discussed: why we hide our true selves, how to create sincere relationships, and how to learn to accept others and ourselves.

Time: Friday, 7 March, 13:00–14:30
Place: Room 225, Saulėtekis
Address: Saulėtekio al. 9, Connecting Premises II, Vilnius

Film Night at St Johns’ Church “Išgyventi vasarą” (“Summer Survivors”) (in Lithuanian)

Come to a unique film night, the showing of a multi-award winning Lithuanian film “Išgyventi vasarą” (“Summer Survivors”). The film portrays common mental health challenges, relationships, and empathy. The showing will be followed by a discussion on the topics explored in the film.

Time: Friday, 7 March, 17:00–20:00
Place: the Chapel of the priest Alfonsas Lipniūnas, St Johns’ Church
Address: Šv. Jonų g. 12, Vilnius

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Hungarian Lecturer in Vilnius University, István Báthory Cultural Association of Hungarians in Lithuania, the Embassy of Hungary in Vilnius and the Hungarian Lecturer organizes an international scientific conference on teaching less widely taught languages. The blended conference takes place at Vilnius University and online on 16-17 May 2025.

International and Lithuanian applied linguists and language teachers are welcome at the conference to share their professional experience and scientific research.

Registration for speakers is open until 31 March 2025. More information is available at www.lvd.lt/conference/ 

The Centre for Scandinavian Studies is very pleased to invite you to a series of lectures by a visiting guest, Dr Yair Sapir, a senior lecturer in Swedish at the University of Kristianstad, Sweden. Focusing on the newly published grammar of Elfdalian, co-authored by Dr Sapir, his lectures will touch upon questions of the relationship between dialects and languages, endangered languages and language revitalization policies and practices. Please see the full schedule below:

• On Tuesday, February 25 at 15.00 Vilnius-timein the auditorium 402 at our Centre, he will give a lecture in English “Elfdalian of Northern Dalarna, Sweden – an Introduction”, please do come and join!
• On Friday, February 28 at 11.00 Vilnius-timein the auditorium 314A/B at our Centre, he will give a lecture in Swedish “En introduktion till älvdalska” --> alla svensktalande kollegor och studenter är hjärtligt välkomna!
• On Friday, February 28 at 13.00 Vilnius-timein the auditorium 314A/B at our Centre, a second lecture in English will follow “Elfdalian and Sweden’s Sámi Languages, Sweden’s Minority Language Policy”, everyone is welcome!

“A Grammar of Elfdalian” published on 30 September 2024 can be downloaded here: https://uclpress.co.uk/book/a-grammar-of-elfdalian/

Yair is a linguist with many hats (as you can see here: https://researchportal.hkr.se/en/persons/yair-sapir ), and we are delighted to have an opportunity to welcome him in person and learn about the amazing Elfdalian spoken in Sweden, which is a true treasure find for any linguist.

Look forward to seeing you in person on February 25 and 28!

Brill published the short monograph “The Reformation in Lithuania: Origins and Developments up to 1570“ (2025), written by Professor Dainora Pociūtė, a faculty member at the Institute for Literary, Cultural, and Translation Research in the Faculty of Philology, Vilnius University. This is the first English-language study dedicated to the Reformation in Lithuania.

Professor D. Pociūtė emphasized that she had to shape her narrative within the scope specified by the representatives of the publishing house, who had offered her the opportunity to publish the work. Therefore, she decided to present an analysis of the early development of the Reformation in Lithuania. In her view, this period represents the most independent stage of Lithuanian Protestantism, during which the autonomous Lithuanian Evangelical Church was established and operated, incorporating influences from various Western confessional traditions.

According to the insights of the peer reviewers, the monograph fills a gap in the Anglo-Saxon market, where no work of this type has been available until now. It represents an excellent synthesis of existing academic research and provides a comprehensive account of the Reformation within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, meticulously compiled from primary sources.

In each chapter, a chronological framework is applied to outline the biographies of key figures and illuminate their roles within the broader context of the Reformation. Its accessible and concise prose ensures readability without compromising depth, making it equally engaging for scholars and general readers alike.

Moreover, its coherence and cohesion are commendable. This is achieved by crafting a narrative centered on pivotal events and key figures that structure the historical account.

Link to the monograph.  

“Applied linguistics focuses on addressing specific language-related issues. Thus, it not only enhances our understanding of various aspects of language learning and use – such as its social, identity, psychological, cognitive, and neurophysiological dimensions – but also seeks to help answer critical language-related questions in our societies,” says Inga Hilbig, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University,  who is also the head of the organizing committee for the 7th Conference of Applied Linguistics “Languages and People”.

Confirmed plenary speakers for this international and interdisciplinary event include Prof. Li Wei, one of the foremost scholars in translanguaging research, as well as Prof. Xiao Lan Curdt-Christiansen and Prof. Elizabeth Lanza, both leading figures in the field of family language policy.

Submissions for oral and poster presentations are due by March 17, 2025.

The conference will be held from 25–27 September 2025 at the Faculty of Philology, Vilnius University. For more information, please visit: www.litaka.lt

Editorial board from left to right: Olga Donskaia, Agnė Semėnaitė, Fausta Bauer, Patricija Česonytė, Sofiia Kalenska.

We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural issue of Discourse Magazine! What started as a simple search for a place to publish an essay turned into a student-driven literary platform, bringing together ideas, creativity, and thought-provoking writing.

Letter from the Editors

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Discourse Magazine!

When last April I was looking for a place to publish my essay, I decided it would be easier to create a magazine. I shared this idea with my friends, and we agreed to work on it together. Well, it turned out it creating a magazine is not that easy. I had to write what seemed like a hundred emails (it was probably around 10). And then we had to come up with a name for the magazine. Nothing seemed fitting until Patricija suggested Discourse. We instantly loved it.

The first time I really thought about the meaning of the word ‘discourse’ was in my first year during the Introduction to the Theory of Literature course. I was failing to grasp the concept and even called my father, asking him what it meant. And then I started seeing and hearing ‘discourse’ everywhere — in the texts assigned by professors, in the interviews I watched in my spare time, and in the discussions, I had with my family and friends. Discourse was everywhere, I just never noticed. It is probably the main feature of discourse that it eludes recognition while being omnipresent. It is born through communication — be it a dialogue, a heated debate, or a full-on argument — and it fashions communication at the same time.

The ways Discourse Magazine we think and talk about certain subjects and even the subjects we talk or don’t talk about are shaped by discourse. We find ourselves in a double position ofconstructing discourse and being constructed by it.

 With this in mind, we wanted to create a discourse that would be shaped by students’ ideas and creativity and, in turn, spark new ideas and artistic expressions among students. That is how and why Discourse Magazine was born. In this issue, you will find three sections comprised of students’ writings — Prose, Poetry, and Translations. As you read each piece, look for the way it engages with the world around us, explores the language, and take notice of what questions it asks or maybe attempts to answer. That is what the creative discourse of Vilnius University students looks like.

We are incredibly grateful to each of our authors who contributed to the magazine — without you, it wouldn’t exist. We are also thankful to our lecturers and professors who contributed to the Bookshelf section, in which you will hopefully find an exciting book to read. Special thanks to the Faculty of Philology for supporting this idea and to all those who played a part in bringing it to life. Your help and dedication mean so much. And to our readers — thank you for picking up these pages — we hope you will find here something that truly resonates with you.

Sofiia Kalenska, Editor-in-Chief 

Read the first issue here.