Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

A meeting was held at the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) with participants and winners of the Azerbaijani language Olympiad organized by the ANAS Young Scientists Academy for 9th and 10th grade students of Lyceum No. 132–134 in Baku.

Opening the meeting with introductory remarks, academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that the main goal of organizing this Olympiad is to encourage new generations to study the Azerbaijani language more deeply and to instill in them love for the country and the homeland through their native language. He emphasized that the Azerbaijani language is one of the fundamental attributes of the nation and one of its main national symbols, alongside the flag, coat of arms and anthem. According to him, the recognition of the Azerbaijani language as the state language in the Constitution since 1978 is associated with National Leader Heydar Aliyev. At that time, during the Soviet period, internationalist slogans were more prominent. In such a difficult period, the National Leader sought to preserve national identity through the language. In subsequent years, a number of measures were implemented to expand the practical use and functionality of the language. President Ilham Aliyev continues this policy today with determination and consistency. In the era of globalization, a separate State Program has been adopted to expand the possibilities of the Azerbaijani language, and a decree has been issued for the publication of books in the Latin script. The importance the Head of State attaches to the Azerbaijani language in his speech at the 80th anniversary event of the Academy and in interviews with television channels plays a crucial role in raising a new generation of patriotic youth. The publication of books on the grammar of the Azerbaijani language and works on lexicography is a significant contribution to the development of the language. The Olympiad held at Lyceum No. 132–134 is also of great importance in fostering love for the Azerbaijani language among the younger generation, and cooperation in this field will always remain open. He stressed the need to continue this tradition.

Director of Lyceum No. 132–134 Aygun Mikayilova then spoke about the importance of the native language Olympiad. She noted that regardless of the sector in which students study, they acquire a high level of proficiency in the Azerbaijani language and show strong affection for it. This demonstrates that promoting the native language is an important indicator for the younger generation. Following the speeches and instructions of the President of the country on protecting the native language, this issue has become even more relevant. She expressed confidence that schools will do their utmost to preserve the opportunities of the Azerbaijani language, promote love for it and contribute to its development.

Head of the Department of Science and Education of the ANAS Presidium Office, Doctor of Philological Sciences Serkhan Khavari, also spoke at the meeting, noting that ANAS and its Young Scientists Academy have implemented a number of important initiatives, including the organization of the native language Olympiad. He emphasized that such initiatives, carried out with the support of ANAS, play an important role in educating young people and school students in a spirit of patriotism.

Chairman of the ANAS Young Scientists Academy, PhD in Chemistry Elmir Babayev, stated that a total of 41 students from the Azerbaijani, Russian and English sections of the school participated in the Olympiad. Interestingly, students from the Russian section performed better in the competition related to the Azerbaijani language. This, he noted, is a clear example of the high level of love and respect for the Azerbaijani language.

Afterward, the winners of the Olympiad — tenth-grade students of Lyceum No. 132–134 Kamila Vakilova, Zahra Akhundova, Rufat Latifli and Ayan Zeynalova — expressed their gratitude to the leadership of ANAS for the conditions created for them.

At the end of the event, certificates and gifts were presented to the students of the lyceum who participated in and won the Olympiad, and a commemorative photo was taken.

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

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