Inalco and a Professor Honored by Romania's Order of Cultural Merit
The institution and Alexandru Mardale were recognized for their contribution to promoting Romanian language and culture in France.
By Claire Vasseur
••3 min read
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Generic image: a Haussmannian-style building under an overcast sky.
Inalco and Alexandru Mardale, professor of Romanian language and linguistics, have been honored with Romania's Order of Cultural Merit during a ceremony at the Romanian Embassy in Paris.
The award ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Romania to France, Ioana Bivolaru, and Delphine Allès, provisional administrator of Inalco. Alexandru Mardale, who also heads the Romanian studies section at Inalco, was present.
During the event, the recipients highlighted the institution's contribution to mutual understanding between France and Romania since the first Romanian course was opened in 1875 by Émile Picot. They praised the collective efforts of their French and Romanian colleagues over the decades.
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"I would also like to take this moment of tribute to highlight a particular quality of the Romanian studies section, which is that its teachers form a fine team, Franco-Romanian, multidisciplinary and close-knit, which makes beautiful collective projects possible, of which the celebration of the section's anniversary was a magnificent illustration... and the result of which is also this distinction which is a tribute to all the work of this team and to that of its predecessors, who must also consider it as their own."
Delphine Allès emphasized the dual uniqueness of Romanian language teaching at Inalco: the integration of language with humanities and social sciences, and the section's place within the European studies department. She stated that this approach fosters a deep understanding of society, its historical depth, and its debates, positioning Inalco as a key player in European linguistic diversity.
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"It is a great honor and an extremely moving moment to receive today the medal of the Order of 'Cultural Merit'. To see that my efforts – that our efforts (those of the entire teaching team) – are rewarded by this distinction awarded by the highest institution of the Romanian state, the Presidential Administration, represents not only professional recognition but also personal satisfaction that I welcome with great humility."
Alexandru Mardale expressed his honor and emotion upon receiving the award, viewing it as both professional recognition and personal satisfaction. He stressed that languages serve as bridges between people and nations, and promoting Romanian in France, particularly at Inalco, which offers a comprehensive Romanian program, is a mission close to his heart.
This recognition follows the celebration of 150 years of Romanian language teaching at Inalco in the autumn of 2025, an event supported by the Europe-Eurasia Research Center (CREE) and other partners.
Based on information from the official source: INALCO (26/10/2026)
