Dóra Dúró: all kids should become familiar with "rovásírás"

The runic alphabet was a writing system, ancient Hungarians used before coming to the Carpathian Basin. Even after the “Honfoglalás” the alphabet was used for quite some time, until the Habsburgs phased it out due to their colonial policy.

Dóra Dúró, the head of Jobbik's educational cabinet, spoke about the party's educational policy, among others, the plans of introducing the ancient runic alphabet in the curriculum and the party's determination to advance the subject in the Hungarian school system.

Dániel Gribek: Is the idea of teaching “rovásírás” (runic alphabet) in schools included in Jobbik's educational program?

Dóra Dúró: We would like to enhance the Hungarian aspects of literature, history and music in education; teaching rovásírás in schools would serve as an element in the effort of bolstering student's national identity. There is an urgent need for that, after all, in the past twenty years national education had different priorities and rovásírás was neglected in the education system.


D.G.: In what form, can you foresee teaching rovásírás in schools?

D.D.: The first priority is to make sure that all kids become familiar with the runic alphabet; this goal could be achieved within a short period of time. We also intend to offer opportunities for learners wanting to delve into the subject more deeply; however, to do this, first, we need teachers that can tackle the challenges.

D.G.: Making the subject mandatory, either as a separate subject or part of other modules, how would you solve the problem of the lack of knowledge of the subject among teachers? Is there openness among teachers to learn the runic alphabet? How much time, do you think teachers need to acquire the skill.

D.D.: I think, it wouldn't take long time for teachers coming out of universities to be skillful in the subject of the runic alphabet. However, until they become available, we could substitute them with visiting instructors.

D.G.: Does Jobbik find the teaching of rovásírás on elementary level sufficient, or rather, it would pursue a more complex and practical method of exploring the writing system, like writing and reading? How much time, would implementing a program like this take?

D.D.: To start with, it would be sufficient if kids would develop a concept about the ancient Hungarian writing system; too much rigor, sometimes have adverse effects. For those interested in the deeper aspects of the writing system, might explore it in evening courses.

D.G.: Can you foresee rovásírás as being part of high school examinations modules? Of course, only after rovásírás becomes part of the regular curriculum of the school system.

D.D.: It's too early to talk about that at the moment, after all we have to start everything from scratch. A couple of years from now, we can revisit the question again: when every Hungarian kids becomes efficient in rovásírás.


Gribek Dániel
(Rovatmagazin.hu - hungarianambiance.com)

Translated by hungarianambiance