Over 200 Participants Join ‘Adyghe Dictation’ Event in Adygea
Participants put their Adyghe language skills to the test.
MAYKOP — On International Circassian Language Day, more than 200 people took part in the annual Adyghe Dictation event, held at the Faculty of Adyghe (Circassian) Philology and Culture at Adyghe State University. The international educational initiative, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Adyghe language and script, has been growing steadily since its inception in 2019.
"When we first introduced the idea in 2019, I was unsure how people would respond. Unfortunately, we hear the Adyghe language less and less, and even fewer people are able to write in Adygabze," said Nuriiet Khamerzokova, head of the Department of Adyghe Philology and Culture and the event’s organiser.
The initiative has since expanded beyond Adygea, with participants joining from other republics. Those unable to attend in person had the option to take part online, with the dictation broadcast live on VK to coincide with the in-person sessions.
Several university auditoriums were designated for the event, accommodating as many participants as needed. A separate room was also arranged for learners who are new to the Adyghe language, where they were given a simplified text. "We are delighted to see so many people interested in our language," Khamerzokova added.
Although over 200 participants registered, the actual number is believed to be higher, as online registration was not mandatory. Those who wished to receive a participation certificate, however, were required to sign up.
Among the participants was Anzor Batyrbiev, who works at the National Library. "I have wanted to take part in Adyghe Dictation for a long time, but circumstances always got in the way. Since I frequently read and write in Adygabze for my work, I was eager to test my knowledge today," he shared.
This year’s dictation was an excerpt titled "Courage" from the novel The Hundred and First Pass by Ishak Mashbash. Organisers described the chosen passage as moderately challenging.
"When selecting the text, we consider the wide age range of participants, this year, they range from 12 to 80 years old. The excerpt is written in a refined literary style with medium-level grammatical complexity. It also explores important themes such as courage and patriotism," Khamerzokova explained.
The results of Adyghe Dictation will be published on the website of Adyghe State University.