Language/Kirghiz/Culture/Famous-Writers-and-Poets
Welcome to our lesson on famous Kirghiz writers and poets! In this part of our Complete 0 to A1 Kirghiz Course, we will delve into some of the greatest contributors to Kirghiz literature and their works. Not only will you enrich your cultural knowledge, but you will also be exposed to new Kirghiz vocabulary and language patterns. So grab a warm cup of tea, sit back, and let's dive into the world of Kirghiz literature.
Chingiz Aitmatov
One of the most well-known Kirghiz writers is Chingiz Aitmatov (Чыңгыз Айтматов). Aitmatov was a bilingual author and wrote both in Kirghiz and Russian. His works have been translated into more than 170 languages, making him a prominent figure in world literature. Born in 1928, Aitmatov grew up in Soviet Kyrgyzstan and faced great adversity as a child when his father was arrested during the time of the Great Purge.
Major Works
Chingiz Aitmatov is known for exploring themes such as the struggle for survival in rural Kyrgyzstan and the consequences of modernity on traditional society. Some of his most famous works include:
- Jamilya («Жамиля») - A novella written in 1958 that became an instant success, telling the story of a young woman named Jamilya who falls in love with a disabled war veteran. The story showcases the beauty of Kirghiz village life and the importance of love, sacrifice, and courage.
- The White Steamship («Ак кеме») - This 1970 novel is widely regarded as Aitmatov's masterpiece. It tells a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Kyrgyzstan's Lake Issyk-Kul, where the protagonist, Asel, witnesses the clash between modernity and tradition in a world full of ancient myths and legends.
- The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years («Манас элбегидей элде болбосо») - A science fiction novel published in 1980 that intertwines the fate of a small Kirghiz village with the larger geopolitical context of the Soviet Union and an encounter with extraterrestrial life. The book explores the power of friendship and love, as well as humanity's struggle to reconcile the past with an uncertain future.
Here are a few examples of sentences from Aitmatov's works, with their pronunciation and English translation:
| Kirghiz | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Жамилянын көздөрү ак – жаратуучунун алатоо мүлкү. | Jamilyanin közdörü ak – jaratuuçunun alatoo mülkü. | Jamilya's eyes are white – the eternal property of the Creator. |
| Ак кемеден ак жапайы көргөн сулуулук калкан жана жамгыр кара кеме жарык жарык парлаккарга жарык этип, Асалгуул бала сулуулук калгандай гулгулган. | Ak kemeden ak japayi körgön suluuluk kalkan jana jamgyr kara keme jarik jarik parlakkarga jarik etip, Asalgul bala suluuluk kalgandaj gululgugan. | The white steamship has left a track of white foam in the blue, which Asel's yurt resembles a peaceful sanctuary. |
| Эл апаке эл эпкем эл эпкем эл эпкем эл эпкем эл эпкем эл эпкем эл эпкем эл эпкем | El apkem el epkem el ekem el epkem el epkem el epkem el epkem el epkem | The day lasts more than a hundred years. |
Other Notable Writers and Poets
In addition to Chingiz Aitmatov, there have been many other Kirghiz writers and poets who have made significant contributions to the Kirghiz literature. Some of them include:
- Toktogul Satylganov (Токтогул Сатылганов) - Known as the "People's Poet" and "father of modern Kirghiz poetry," Toktogul was a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th century. His poems often dealt with themes of love, nature, and social justice.
- Alykul Osmonov (Алыкул Осмонов) - A 20th-century Kirghiz poet whose works reflected the challenges faced by the Kirghiz people during the Soviet era. He is known for his style, which combines traditional Kirghiz poetry with elements of Soviet socialist realism.
- Togolok Moldo (Тоголок Молдо) - A poet, journalist, and translator who is best known for his work in preserving and revitalizing the oral traditions of Kirghiz folklore. He was a prolific writer and left behind a vast legacy of poems, stories, and essays.
In conclusion, Kirghiz literature has a rich history, with many talented writers and poets who have contributed to its development over the years. Reading these authors' works can provide fascinating insight into the culture and history of Kyrgyzstan and its people, also allowing the development of the Kirghiz language skills. Happy reading, and may you continue to expand your knowledge of the wonderful world of Kirghiz literature!