Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On May 25, a national conference titled “Mother Tongue: Identity and Future” was held at the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ADPU) with the participation of young people. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Science and Education, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and the Azerbaijan Education Workers’ Free Trade Union.

The event began with the performance of the National Anthem. Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, emphasized the special role of speech culture in preserving the purity of the Azerbaijani language and highlighted the importance of adhering to literary language norms across all fields. He noted that work is ongoing at ANAS to develop a new conceptual model of Azerbaijani grammar based on the principles of the independence period.

Deputy Minister of Science and Education Firudin Gurbanov emphasized the particular importance of the mother tongue in terms of statehood, national identity, and cultural security. He stated that, as a result of globalization, the rapid development of information technologies, artificial intelligence, and the influence of mass communication, national languages are facing new challenges. According to him, the neglect of the mother tongue and its excessive use of borrowed words inevitably affect national consciousness and identity. In this regard, preserving the mother tongue is not only a linguistic issue but also a crucial matter related to national self-awareness, the preservation of moral values, and the future of society. Firudin Gurbanov noted that the mother tongue plays a vital role in shaping a person’s worldview, enriching their spiritual life, ensuring quality education, and expressing national identity.

Rector of ADPU, Professor Jafar Jafarov, stated that a teacher who loves and deeply knows the mother tongue nurtures patriotic citizens committed to national values. He noted that preserving the language and passing it on to future generations is an important responsibility for every scholar, teacher, and researcher. Vice-Rector of ADPU, Professor Mahira Huseynova, spoke about the significant role of the Azerbaijani language in shaping national identity and emphasized the importance of young researchers’ scientific activity in addressing existing issues in linguistics. She also drew attention to the role of historical toponyms and dialectisms in preserving national memory.

Other speakers at the opening ceremony addressed the historical development of the Azerbaijani language, language policy in the context of modern challenges, the preservation of the mother tongue in the era of digitalization, and the importance of strengthening young people’s speech culture and attachment to the language. The speakers highlighted the significance of the consistent state policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev aimed at preserving, developing, and promoting the Azerbaijani language at the international level. It was noted that targeted measures in this direction contribute to maintaining the purity of the Azerbaijani language, ensuring adherence to its norms and rules, and strengthening its position in the digital environment.

The conference continued with panel discussions. During the sessions, participants exchanged views on the role of the mother tongue in shaping national identity, its future prospects, and the position of the Azerbaijani language in the era of digital transformation.

It should be noted that the main goal of the conference is to preserve and develop the state language, strengthen respect for and attachment to the mother tongue among young people, and promote the role of the Azerbaijani language in shaping national identity and moral values.