Presentation of the book “We Are Learning Azerbaijani” held
Baku, 19 November, Goychak Mahmudlu, AZERTAC
On 18 November, the presentation ceremony of the book "We Are Learning Azerbaijani", co-authored by Sabina Aliyeva, Huzura Agayeva and Gulara Amirova, took place at the “Park Akademiya” branch of the LIBRAFF bookstore chain.
The event was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Arzu Aliyeva, Director of Baku Media Centre, and Alena Aliyeva.
Speaking at the presentation, co-author Sabina Aliyeva said the book is intended for children aged 4–6 and aims to teach the mother tongue to children attending pre-school educational institutions in Azerbaijan as well as to young compatriots living abroad, to instil love for our language, and to develop communication skills in Azerbaijani from an early age.
“One of the main goals in preparing this book, alongside teaching the Azerbaijani language, is to foster attachment to our country’s national values and culture. The book consists of eight sections covering various topics. One of its most interesting features is that it is based on illustrations. Children in this age group have not yet developed reading and writing skills, so topics are explained through pictures, taking into account the perception abilities of young children. Learning with pictures also makes the process more enjoyable and memorable. Another particularly appealing feature is the “Listen and Learn” section, where poems by Azerbaijani poets are available in audio format via QR codes. In addition, the book includes the most essential expressions, words and sentences needed to develop early communication skills, making the learning process more systematic. As is known, for children of this age, written words, expressions and poems are usually read aloud and taught by teachers and parents. In a way, the book also serves as a guide for teachers and parents.”
The book’s editor, Professor Sevinj Aliyeva, described the publication – the result of three years of hard work – as an expression of love for our language and attachment to our values, and expressed confidence that it will become a favourite book for Azerbaijani children growing up abroad.
Jala Garibova, Vice-Rector for International Relations at Azerbaijan University of Languages; writer, poet and professor Zahid Khalil; member of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union and editor-in-chief of Goyarchin magazine, Professor Rafiq Yusifoglu; and Ulkar Talibzade, granddaughter of Abdulla Shaig and director of his house-museum, also spoke at the event. They recalled remarks made by President Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the meeting dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, emphasising that, as the head of state stressed, preserving the purity of the Azerbaijani language is the duty of every Azerbaijani citizen, and that the state, scholars, linguists, writers, poets, journalists and politicians must pay great attention to this issue. The speakers noted the state-level care given to the Azerbaijani language and highlighted the steps taken in this direction.
The speakers highly praised "We Are Learning Azerbaijani" as a teaching tool, expressed confidence that it will be useful in helping children learn to think and speak in their native language in a simple and understandable way, and voiced hope that such projects will continue on a regular basis.
During the event, an artistic programme was also presented, and several poems included in the book were played via QR codes.
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