Preserving Language and Culture: KBSU Supports the VIII International Educational Campaign «Adyghe Dictation»

On the eve of Adyghe (Circassian) Language and Writing Day, Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov hosted the VIII traditional International Educational Campaign «Adyghe Dictation.» Approximately 500 people—teachers, students, cultural figures, and active public figures from Kabardino-Balkaria—participated in testing their knowledge of their native language.

The International Circassian Association (ICA) initiated the event. ICA President Khauti Sokhrokov emphasized its importance and growing popularity, noting that the geography of participants is expanding every year.

This year, the Adyghe dictation was taken not only in Maykop, Cherkessk, Vladikavkaz, Krasnodar, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Krasnoyarsk, but also in foreign countries where our compatriots live in large communities. According to preliminary data, over six thousand people took part in the event, and the active participation of young people is particularly encouraging.

«I am convinced that it is the younger generation, who responded so enthusiastically to the dictation, that will be able not only to preserve but also to enrich our multifaceted Kabardian language, rich national culture, and centuries-old traditions,» stated Khauti Sokhrokov.
Addressing the participants, he quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin, who spoke of the need to carefully preserve our customs, traditions, language, and culture, while simultaneously creating a unified pan-Russian identity and shared values.

The dictation was based on an excerpt from the novel «Give the Beauty of the Soul» by renowned Kabardian writer Khachim Teunov, a work that harmonizes harmoniously with the theme of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by the country’s president.

According to Madina Ezaova, director of the Aslan Tsipinov Adyghe Culture Center, the event generated great interest.

«Today, we saw how university staff members, not directly involved in philology, enthusiastically participated in the dictation. It was taken offline at KBSU not only by philologists and students from the Siberian Geological Institute, but also by representatives from other faculties—physicists, economists, and lawyers. It was especially gratifying to see that many came in national dress, the Circassian coat, perceiving this event as a true celebration, a solemn event,» she emphasized. Along with KBSU, the Kabardino-Balkarian State Agrarian University named after V. M. Kokov and the T. K. Malbakhov National State Library of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic hosted the event in Nalchik. In total, more than 200 sites were set up in the cities and districts of Kabardino-Balkaria for those wishing to test their knowledge of the Adyghe language.

The results of the dictation will be published in the coming days on the official website of the International Circassian Association.