Visit with Dr. Bahodir Kholikov
On October 16, 2025, the Department of World Languages and Cultures at the University of Utah hosted
Dr. Bahodir Kholikov, Rector of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
(SSIFL), for a lecture titled “Foreign Language and Cultural Diplomacy: Building Global Understanding through Language
Education.”
Dr. Kholikov discussed the importance of language learning in promoting cross-cultural communication and global cooperation. The event drew faculty, students, and community members, highlighting the University’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration and cultural exchange.
In his remarks, Dr. Kholikov emphasized the dynamic role of foreign language education as a catalyst for cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding in today’s increasingly interconnected world. Drawing on Uzbekistan’s national experience and the international mission of SSIFL, he highlighted that language is not merely a means of communication, but a bridge that fosters trust, nurtures dialogue, and promotes enduring international cooperation.
About the Speaker
Dr. Bahodir Alikulovich Kholikov is the current Rector of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, a leading institution in Uzbekistan serving over 13,000 students. A scholar of philology with a Ph.D. in Philological Sciences, he has held a range of academic and governmental leadership roles, including at the National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, and the State Language Development Department under the Cabinet of Ministers.
About the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
Founded in 1994, SSIFL has become a national leader in foreign language education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across eight faculties. With over 13,000 students and faculty of over 500 and partnerships with institutions in more than 20 countries, SSIFL stands at the forefront of linguistic research, cultural exchange, and global academic cooperation in Central Asia.
