Adyghe (Circassian) Dictation Held at KBSU to Celebrate Adyghe Language Day
NALCHIK -- On March 11th, on the eve of the Day of the Adyghe (Circassian) language, KBSU (Kabardino-Balkaria State University) was one of three venues in Nalchik to host the International Educational Action in the Kabardian language, known as "Adyghe Dictation."
Students, teachers, and representatives from various organisations, including the International Circassian Association and the Adyghe (Circassian) International Academy of Sciences, participated in the event to test their knowledge of their native language.
In his opening remarks, Mukhamed Khafitse, the thamada of the public organisation "Adyghe Khase," emphasized the importance of the Adyghe language in preserving and developing cultural and spiritual heritage. Adyghes (Circassians) from across Russia, including the republics of Adyghea, Karachay-Cherkessia, and North Ossetia-Alania, as well as those in the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Europe, participated in the event. The Adyghe Dictation aims to increase literacy and promote the native language as a means of communication, preserving the traditional culture and ethnic identity of the Adyghe people.
During the event, Murat Gukepshokov, the rector of KBSU, addressed participants and stressed the importance of treating one's native language with respect. The university offers a direction of study in Philology, including the Kabardino-Circassian language and literature, as well as Russian language and literature, to train future teachers in the Kabardian language.
Over 100 participants read the text of Mukhamed Karmokov's work, "Къоджэм уигъэжейркъым," during the Adyghe Dictation, with around 300 more participating through a live broadcast on the ICA YouTube channel. The results of the dictation will be available on the ICA website, www.intercircass.org, in the coming days.
In celebrating Adyghe Language Day, the Adyghe Dictation serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting native languages and cultures.
On March 14th, people around the world celebrate International Circassian Language Day. This day marks the anniversary of a significant event in the history of the Circassian language: the publishing of the first Circassian alphabet by Umar Bersey, a renowned Circassian educator.