A new specialisation of Crimean Tatar Language and Literature has been launched at Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University this academic year. A solemn opening for the students of the new specialisation was held in early September.

Eleven students started mastering the wisdom of Crimean Tatar language this year - with not a single Crimean Tatar among them. They received their academic record books from the Head of Crimean Tatar Mejlis, Mr.Refat Chubarov.

Mr.Chubarov also presented the University with the Crimean Tatar People’s flag, and also brought workbooks on Crimean Tatar language for the local Turkic studies Department. Head of Mejlis congratulated the fresh students, and expressed his hope that they will have a perfect knowledge of the language of one of Ukraine’s indigenous people.

Head of “Maidan of Foreign Affairs” Mr.Bohdan Yaremenko advised the students to study not only the language of Crimean Tatars, but their culture and religion as well - in order to get a better insight in their conception of the world. He also expressed his confidence that there will be high demand for specialists in Crimean Tatar philology in the governing bodies.

The solemn opening ceremony was completed with joint rendering of Crimean Tatar anthem “Ant Etkenmen” (“I swore an oath”).

The new specialisation had been organized within 5 months time only, since March. According to Mr.Vladimir Bugrov, pro-rector for academic and pedagogical work, opening a new specialisation in such a short term would demand even more dedication from both the students and the teachers.

The first lessons were taught on September 1 by Ms.Afize Emiramzaeva, teacher of Crimean tatar language and literature. Still, students who chose that specialisation will also learn Ukrainian and English. The course includes phonetic practice, history of Crimean Tatar language and literature, stylistics, interpretation - both theory and practice.

Staff reporter