Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

An event titled “The Issue of the Mother Tongue in Children’s Literature” was held at the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on the occasion of February 21 – International Mother Language Day.

Opening the event with introductory remarks, ANAS President, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, spoke about the importance of preserving and developing the mother tongue. Emphasizing that the mother tongue and children’s literature are closely interconnected, Academician Isa Habibbeyli underlined that children’s literature is crucial for educating the new generation of independent Azerbaijan in the spirit of nationwide and Azerbaijanism ideals. Noting that children’s literature, with its ancient roots, has strong traditions in the country, he said it experienced its golden age in the early 20th century.

“The great services rendered to children’s literature by Mirza Alakbar Sabir, Abbas Sahhat, Abdulla Shaig, and Rashid bey Afandiyev can serve as examples for today’s children as well. In addition, among the prominent figures of Azerbaijani children’s literature during the Soviet period were Hikmat Ziya, Ilyas Tapdig, Khanimana Alibeyli, Zahid Khalil, Anvar Alibeyli, and others. Although children’s literature faced certain difficulties after the restoration of our independence, many publications were produced in the subsequent period. Today, I can responsibly state that the Children’s Literature Department of the Institute of Literature, headed by Doctor of Philology and Member of Parliament Elnara Akimova, makes a significant contribution to this field in our country and has become a center coordinating this sphere scientifically. Today, the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature has the capacity to assume responsibility for the scientific aspects of issues related to children’s literature, and in this regard, it is no coincidence that the event is being held on the eve of International Mother Language Day,” Academician Isa Habibbeyli said.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that in the President’s speech at the 80th anniversary meeting of ANAS and in his interview with local television channels, the issue of the mother tongue was identified as one of the priority areas. He said the instructions and opportunities provided by the head of state regarding the mother tongue serve both to preserve the language at a modern level and to stimulate the development of national literature, including children’s literature: “In the President’s speeches, the Azerbaijani language is presented as the foundation of the existence and national identity of a 50-million-strong people and nation. This clearly demonstrates the head of state’s love for our mother tongue and the high value he places on it. Important work is being carried out at the Academy in this direction, and compared to previous years, the process is advancing at an accelerated pace.”

Academician Isa Habibbeyli stated that children’s literature is not only a treasury of word creation but also a field where writers imprint on children’s memory the foundations of language from an early age. He noted that in this regard, children’s literature bears great responsibility and requires a more transparent and simpler approach to language creativity and attitudes toward language: “One of the duties of children’s writers is to prepare children for new terminological thinking. Today, issues related to digital technologies, the internet, and artificial intelligence should also be reflected in children’s literature. It is encouraging that children’s writers are paying attention to this matter. However, this must be done in a way that, while preserving what is necessary, ensures protection of our language from excessive foreign terminology. Regardless of which concept or period it spreads in, the issue of the mother tongue remains the most pressing problem of literature. Whoever has been able to express their thoughts most effectively in their mother tongue and poetically convey its possibilities and layers to the people has been able to create great national literature. The mother tongue factor in literature is a factor of national identity, statehood thinking, and patriotism.”

Then Member of Parliament and Head of the Children’s Literature Department of the Institute of Literature, Doctor of Philology Elnara Akimova, said that celebrating International Mother Language Day each year has become a tradition at ANAS. She noted that there are valuable writers engaged in children’s creative work today, and they actively participate in this process with their full dedication and sense of national identity: “The President’s calls to preserve and develop the mother tongue are of particular importance in this regard. Over time, our scholars and poets who have stood guard over the protection of our mother tongue have invested great effort.”

Elnara Akimova stressed that in order to preserve the ethno-cultural system, there must be a guiding purpose, and in this context, the mother tongue and children’s literature are key factors. She emphasized that establishing a proper attitude toward our language and guiding our children in the right direction remains a pressing issue.

Later, children’s writer, Doctor of Philology and Professor Zahid Khalil shared his views on the issue of the mother tongue in children’s literature. He highlighted the exceptional role of this field in shaping children’s language and way of thinking.

Doctor of Philosophy in Philology, Associate Professor Aygun Bagirli; Doctor of Philosophy in Philology, Associate Professor Ilhama Agazade; Doctor of Philosophy in Philology, Associate Professor Gulnar Gambarli; teacher Nigar Valiyeva of Secondary School No. 35 in Sumgayit; and others delivered presentations on children’s literature and the mother tongue.

At the end of the event, students of Full Secondary School No. 281 named after Vaqif Mirzayev in Surakhani District recited engaging poems dedicated to the mother tongue and written in the spirit of patriotism.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

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