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Baikonur cosmodrome

 

The Baikonur Cosmodrome, amid semi-desert about 250 km north-west of Kyzylorda, has been the launch for all Soviet and Russian crewed space flights since Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, was sent up in 1961. In fact, the launch site isn’t really in Baikonur, which is actually a town 300 km to the north-east, but the USSR told the International Aeronautical Federation that Gagarin’s launch-point was Baikonur, and that name has stuck. The nearest town is the Russian military town of Leninsk on the Syr-Darya, south of the Cosmodrome, which it was built to guard and service. The train station just north of Leninsk is called Toretam. A space tracking station is visible to 2 to 3 km north of the station; the launch site is about 300 km. father north.

After the collapse of the USSR, the Cosmodrome became a useful card in Kazakhstan’s dealing with Russia; which inherited the Soviet space program. While Russia insisted that the cosmodrome and its associated military forces were its own, Kazakhstan wanted them under joint control. A shortage of funds led to a number of space projects being suspended, falling living standards in the support towns, and riots by Kazakh soldiers there in 1992 and 1993. Many Russians and Ukrainians left. In 1994 Kazakhstan agreed to lease Baikonur and Leninsk to Russia for 20 years for about 120 million dollars a year. A few months later the Kazakh cosmonaut Talgat Musabaev and the Russian Yuri Malenchenko took off a symbolic joint visit to the Mir space station.

 

 

Ø Correct the sentences:

1. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is situated to the south of Kyzylorda at the distance of about 200 km.

2. Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, was sent up in 1964.

3. The nearest town is the Russian cultural and industrial town of Leninsk.

4. Leninsk was built to produce products and food for people of Kazakhstan.

5. American dollars are the official currency in Baikonur.

6. This area is open for holidaymakers.

7. You will set into a lot of trouble if you do not visit Baikonur.

 

 

Ø Fill in the crossword. Answer the questions in one word.

1. What is the best place for getting a permition to visit Baikonur? (Embassy )

2. Who was the first spaceman lobbed up in Baykonur in 1961?

3. What town is the Cosmodrome near by? (Kyzylorda)

4. The nearest town to Baikonyr. (Leninsk)

5. After what event did the Cosmodrome become a useful card in Kazakhstan’s dealing with Russia? (Collapse)

6. What kind of shortage led to a number of space projects being suspended? (Funds)

7. Who of the Kazak cosmonauts took off on a symbolic joint visit to the Mir space station? (Musabaev)

8. The nearest station to Baykonur. (Toretam)

 

          B              
          A              
          Y              
          K              
          O              
          N              
          U              
          R              



Aktobe

 

Aktobe, on the main rail line to Moscow, about a hundred kilometers from the Russian border in north-west of Kazakhstan, is a rather dull industrial city where you might need to change trains. The older part of town near the station is marginally more interesting than the modern centre several kilometres north.

If you have time to waste or food to get, there is a lovely market, backed by some very strange-looking factories, about a kilometer east of the train station: take Kokhar koshesi, the main road heading right uphill from the station. Nearby is the local museum, open 9 am to 5 pm.

From Wednesday to Monday, when Rosa, an English speaking curator, may be available to give you a tour of the otherwise unremarkable natural and general history collection. To reach here from the station, take Ayteke Bi, the second street on the left off Kokhar koshesi from the station, then turn right at the hotel Ilek on Altynsarin; the museum in a white building.

The best place to stay is Hotel ‘Aktyubinsk’, which has clean rooms with TV and fridge. The local recommend eating at an Armenian restaurant ‘Urartu’ (Truda, 39a), a short taxi ride from the hotel ‘Aktyubinsk’. Otherwise there are several small cafes near the station serving the usual menu of dumplings and noodles. Flights from Aktobe are scheduled to Almaty and Moscow daily, Aktau and Astana twice a week.

 

 

Ø Ask disjunctive questions:

1. The older part of the town is more interesting than the modern centre …?

2. Hotel ‘Aktyubinsk’ has clean rooms with TV sets and fridges ...?

3. The local museum opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm ...?

4. Flights from Aktobe are scheduled to Almaty and Moscow daily ..?

5. Aktobe isn’t a drab industrial city, ...?

6. The locals didn’t recommend eating at an Armenian restaurant ...?

 

Ø Say what statements are wrong and what statements are right:

1. Rosa, a Russian-speaking curator, may be available to give you a tour of the general history collection.

2. If you have time to waste or food to get, there is a lively park, backed by some factories.

3. The best place to stay is hotel ‘Aktyubinsk’.

4. There are a lot of small cafes near the station serving the usual menu of soup and meatballs.

5. Aktobe is situated about a hundred kilometers from the Russian border in the northwest of Kazakhstan.

 

Atyrau

 

Atyrau, on the Ural river, 300 km upstream from its mouth on the northern shore of the Caspian Sea, is ‘Oil City of Kazakhstan’, acting as a command station for the main Tenghiz oilfield 350 km farther south. The giant USA oil company, Chevron, is one of the major players through its multibillion-dollar joint venture, called ‘Tengizchevroil’, with Kazakhstan government. There are many other oil and gas fields in the Atyrau region, and offshore reserves in the Caspian may hold the greatest potential yet.

Not surprisingly, Atyrau sees a steady stream of western oil people, which keeps hotel prices higher than they should be, somewhat compensated for by a better than average range of restaurants. Because it was founded in 1640 by a Russian trader named Guryev, whose name the town bore until 1993, there are also fascinating architectural remnants of bygone ages to be discovered.

Caviar used to be traded here until the oil business took off early in the 20th century. Some 80 per cent of the town’s population is Kazak, one of the highest levels in the country.

Spring floods in recent years have brought the Caspian shoreline closer, and it is feared that much of Atyrau will be under water by the mid-21 century if steps are not taken to protect it.

The mud that engulfs the town after rain in winter is legendary; if you visit during this time, take appropriate footwear.

Atyrau is 2700 km west of Almaty. The nearest sizeable town is Astrakhan in Russia, 350 km to the west.

 

Ø Choose the correct answer:

1. Atyrau is located on the bank of …

a) the Irtysh river b) the Ural river c) the Ulba river

2. There are…other oil and gas fields in the Atyrau region.

a) many b) much c) a little

3. It was founded by a Russian trader named …

a) Smirnov b) Volkov c) Guryev

4. It was founded in …

a) 1760 b) 1460 c) 1640

5. …used to be traded here.

a) Caviar b) Apples c) Fish

6. Spring … in recent years have brought the Caspian shoreline closer.

a) streams b) floods c) rains

 

Ø Answer the questions:

1. Whose name did the town bear until 1993?

2. Why is it feared that much of Atyrau will be under water by the mid -21 century?

3. What engulfs the town after rain in winter?

4. What’s the town’s population?

5. Why are the hotel prices too high?

6. What is the nearest sizable town in Russia?

 

PART X: FAMOUS PEOPLE

 

Abai Kunanbayev (!)

(1845-1904)

Abai Kunanbayev is a great Kazakh poet. He was the founder of critical realism in Kazakh literature, the creator of Kazakh culture and art. Abai was born in 1845 in the Shyngiz Mountains of Semirechye. His father was a representative of Kazakh feudals, very influential, cruel and willfull. Two women – his grandmother Zere, very clever, just and hearty, and his mother, kind and witty, - brought up Abai. Then he studied at Russian school, read many Russian books by Pushkin, Lermontov, Tolstoy and others. He began to write poems very early. At the same time he studied Russian culture, visited a public library in Semipalatinsk. His friendship and work with progressive Russian intellectuals had great importance for developing Abai’s democratic ideas. Abai wrote wonderful books about the life of Kazakh people and made translations from Russian into Kazakh. Unusual poetic talent, intellect, humanism, justice and love for people made Abai very popular. Abai’s poetry reflects people’s life, nature, seasons.

His poems became favourite among Kazakh people. The role of Abai Kunanbaev is also great in strengthening the friendship between Russian and Kazakh people. The main thing was to study Russian science he said. ’For this aim we should know Russian language and culture’. That’s why Abai made translations of great Russian writers – Krylov, Pushkin, Lermontov.

During his last years of life Abai began to write prose. He created ‘Words of Edification’. There are 45 of them. He wrote much about work, science, knowledge, culture, about Kazakh and Russian language. But in all words we can feel his love for people and concern about their fate.

Abai’s creative work raised Kazakh culture and literature to a new historical level. He called people to active development, progress, and enlightenment. Deep knowledge of Kazakh reality, culture of native people, his study of Oriental and Russian classics and through it European one, cherished his creative work and made his heritage very important in Kazakh literature.

 

Ø Answer the questions:

1. When was Abai born?

2. What can you tell about his parents?

2. Where did he get his education?

3. What made Abai popular among people?

4. What is “Words of Edification” famous for?

5. What kind of literature did he write?

6. What did he call people for?

7. What is Abai’s role in Kazakh literature?

1. What Russian poets did he read?

 

 

Abai Kunanbayev (2) (1845-1904)

 

Abai is a great poet-enlightener, a bard, a founder of Kazakh literature. Abai was born in the Shyngiz mountains of Semipalatinsk region, in the family of a rich feudal lord. Abai finished a medresse (a religious school). He studied at a Russian school unauthorized. He started writing poetry at school. Abai's father took him back to the village where Abai became a judge.

Abai translated works by Pushkin, Lermontov, Goethe, Tolstoi, Saltykov-Schedrin and by other poets and writers into Kazakh.

Abai's works urge people to labour and struggle for reorganization of life. A lot of his poems are dedicated to new attitude to the family, to parent's duty, to education of young generation. Abai described nature, life and traditions of simple people poetically. The most famous work by Abai is "Words of Edification”.

 

 

Ø Answer the following questions:

1. Where and when was Abai born?

2. What kind of school did he finish?

3. Whose work did he translate into Kazakh?

4. What did Abai describe in his poems?

5. What is his most famous work?

 

 

Ø Express the same idea using the words above.

1. He studied at Russian school without his parent’s permission.

2. A lot of his poems are devoted to the education of young people.

3. Abai is a great educator.

 

Abai: “Words of Edification”

 

Word 3 (1891)

Great wise men noticed that every lazy-bones is a coward and weak-willed, is always boastful, is a stupid, and a stupid is always ignorant and dishonorable. Dishonorable people become greedy, dull and unsociable people who are needed to none.

 

 

Ø Answer the questions:

1. How do wise men characterize lazy-bones?

2. What adjectives are used to describe bad human qualities?

3. Find antonyms to the following adjectives:

lazy- bone boastful dishonorable

coward stupid greedy

weak-willed ignorant dull

 

 

Word 4 (1891)

It is evident that laughter is like on intoxication. Silly laughter shows carelessness and it causes headache. Carelessness leads to destruction, impoverishment and bad deeds. I think people who laugh in a silly manner are unhappy in this and that world.

Consciousness and readiness lead to wealth and such people are just not the same. It does not mean that you should always be gloomy and be sensitive about each failure. It is heavy burden for a human. It is better to forget about sorrows working and laughing.

People are different and for those who think only about their grieves and sorrows work is the only relief. Don’t be happy when people act badly. If you see somebody’s sorrow – let your laughter be bitter. Bitter laughter is always short.

Be happy when people act well because it is a good example. Laughter may be different .It may be beautiful and loud, but is false laughter. Get it away, people! A human is born crying: when he dies, he is angry. When people don’t know what happiness means, they abuse life with empty actions. They persecute each other boast, save money, but when the last hour comes they are ready to give all their wealth for a day of life.

Why does insight come to people so late? Why not to believe in your fate and start working? Then the poorest land gives you fruit. It is the purpose of land.

 

 

Ø Answer the questions:

1. What does Abai tell about laughter?

2. Do you agree to this definition?

3. What is a difference between “silly laughter” and wise laughter?

4. Do you think that laughter always leads to unhappy life?

5. What does Abai call people to in word 4?

6.

Word 6 (1891)

There is a Kazakh proverb: The beginning of art is in unity,

The beginning of wealth is in life.

But what is unity? And when does agreement appear? The Kazakhs suppose that unity is a community of the name, meal, clothes and property. But if it is so, what is the use from wealth and what harm is from property? If you have wealth, everybody will unite with you. People will stop to look for bread in other lands. But they will start to complete and then will lie to each other. It is not a unity of the intelligence, but not property.

The verse says:

Only lazy and cheeky

Is always glad to eat,

Though he seems a start fellow

But it is low in soul

He is accustomed to live.

Spiritual qualities are the main things in people’s life. The soul and kind heart should lead a human. His work and his property wouldn’t be in vain.

 

 

Ø Answer the questions:

1. What is unity?

2. When does agreement appear?

3. What is the use of wealth?

4. What harm is of property?

5. Do you think that wealth brings happiness?

6. What are the main things in people’s live?

7. What things should lead a human in his life?

 

 

Word 31 (1895)

In order to remember and follow some advice is necessary to observe four principals:

The first: you should be strong enough to restrain false pride, when you are given advice.

The second: you should accept clever words with your heart, and all you soul as if you were thirsty.

The third: you should repeat sometimes all you’ve listened to keep it in the memory.

The fourth: get away from all the things that exhaust human brain and make it lose valuable qualities.

These things are also four: carelessness and thoughtlessness, bantering, melancholy and addiction to some vice.

 

 

Ø Answer the questions:

1. Do you always follow anybody’s advice?

2. Do you agree to Abai’s principles?

4. What is the most important principle in your opinion?

5. If you don’t agree, give your reason.

 

Word 14 (1893)

The most precious thing for a human being is his heart. Such conceptions as ‘courage’ and ‘cowardice’ were born from the word ‘heart’. People call a brave man “zhurecti” that means the man with a brave heart; a coward is called “zhureksis”- what means a man without heart.

All best human qualities such as responsiveness, sympathy and humanity- are born by human heart. If your tongue listens to your heart there is no lie, and if a tongue lies, it means that your heart is deceived.

A man with real heart follows advice and he keeps his word, he is able to lead the way even in the most difficult situation, he is ready to admit truth no matter how hard it may be, he will never resign himself to injustice.

So, ‘batyr’ is a courageous and brave man with human heart. I don’t believe people when they say that they committed crime unconsciously. For sure, the reason is their weak will and disregard of one’s honor. I noticed that dzhigits get into trouble when they are called strong dzhigits, brave, strong dzhigits. But it is important to call a real dzhigit a person who lost honour and it isn’t a shame, if he can’t control himself and is mean.

 

 

Ø Answer the questions:

1. What is the most precious thing for human being?

2. How do Kazakh people call a brave man and a coward?

3. How can you explain the word “batyr”?

4. How can explain the word “dzhigit”?

 

Ø Write out the words describing a real dzhigit.

Ø Describe a batyr.

Ø What does word 14 teach young people?

 

Mukhtar Auezov (1)

 

Mukhtar Auezov, a famous writer, playwright and public figure was born in Semey region of Kazakhstan in 1897. His grandfather was a friend of the outstanding Kazakh poet and educator Abai Kunanbaev. He taught the future writer to read from manuscript verses by Abai. Mukhtar Auezov graduated from Semipalatinsk Teacher’s Seminary and in 1929 from Leningrad University.

Auezov published his first work when he was 20. It was the tragedy “Enlik-Kebek”. It became the first performance of the Kazakh Drama theatre, which opened in 1926. The Opera and Ballet Theatre started its work with the play “Aiman-Sholpan” by Auezov in 1934. Auezov wrote over 20 plays, among them are “Abai”, “Karagoz”. He created a lot of short stories and novels.

His best work is the epic novel “Abai’s Path”, which gives a bright panorama of Kazakh life in the second half of the 19th century. This novel had an enormous influence on Kazakh literature and was translated into 30 languages. Kazakh and Kyrgyz films directors screened some of his works. Auezov himself was a prominent translator. He translated works by Tolstoy, Chekhov, Shakespeare, Jack London; and his translations greatly enriched Kazakh literature.

He lived in Almaty for 30 years and died in 1961. In Almaty there is a street, a district, a museum, the Kazakh Drama Theater, the Literature and Art Institute name after him. There are monuments to him at the Kazakh Drama Theatre and near the Opera and Ballet Theatre.

 

 

Ø Read the text and ask your partner the following questions:

1. Where was Auezov born?

2. How did his father teach him to read?

3. Which University did he graduate from?

4. When did the Opera and Ballet Theatre start its work?

5. Which play written by Auezov do you know?

6. Which century life was described in the epic novel “Abai’s Path”?

7. Can you name any characters of the novel “Abai’s Path”?

8. Which foreign writers did Auezov translate?

9. Where and when did he die?

10. Which theater is called after his name?

 

Mukhtar Auezov (2)

(1897-1961)

 

Muhtar Auezov is a writer, a scientist-educator, one of the founders of Kazakh Soviet literature, a famous public figure. In 1928 he graduated from the faculty of History and Philology of Leningrad University. In 1930 he finished the post-graduate courses of the Turkic department of the Orient faculty in the State Middle Asian University in Tashkent.

The first works by Auezov were devoted to the problems of culture, education and enlightenment of people. Many years of his life were dedicated to the education of youth. He was the first Kazakh professor lecturing on Kazakh Literature. Muhtar Auezov left a rich heritage: novels, stories, articles, text-books. The most famous of his works is the novel “Abai’s Path”.

 

Kurmangazy Sagyrbayev (1) (1818—1889)

 

Kurmangazy Sagyrbayev was born in Djangalinsk district of West-Kazakhstan He was from the Baiuly tribe of the Younger Juz. Life of the great musician was rich in many events. The whole epoch, life and traditions of that time are reflected in his kuys. Considering himself a younger brother or Issatai Taimanov, who together with Makhambet Utemisov was at the head of the revolt of the Kazakh people from Bukei Horde against Dzhangeer Khan's tyranny (1836-1837), Kurmangazy devoted one of his kuys ‘Kishkentai’ (‘Younger’) to this event.

In his other famous kuys ‘Nazym’ and ‘Kairan Sheshem’ (‘Dear Mother’) he created a. gallery of woman images, reflected the best features of a Kazakh woman: kindness, wits, beauty, mildness, nobleness, justice and moral cleanliness. In the kuy "Saryarka" ("Wide Steppe") the composer expressed his love to the impetuous ride of a horseman about the endless Kazakh steppe and reflected light and happy pacification with which a nomad lives in nature’s lap.

N. Savichev, a poet, and a journalist, an admirer of Kurmangazy’s creative genius, said, ”Sagyrbayev is a rare musical soul, and if he had had European education, he would have become the brightest star in the musical world...".

He died in 1879 in Shaitani Bataga place in Astrahan region.

 

 

Ø Answer the following questions:

1. Where was Kurmangazy Sagyrbayev born?

2. What events are reflected in his kuys?

3. To which event did Kurmangazy devote his kuy “Kishkentai”?

4. What other famous kuys of Kurmangazy can you name?

5. What did N.Savichev say about Kurmangazy?

 

Ø Prove the following statements are correct according to the story:

1. K.Sagyrbayev was from the Baiuly tribe?

2. Life of the great musician was not rich in events.

3. In the kuy “Saryarka” the composer expressed his love to his native steppe.

4. Kurmangazy considered himself a young brother Bukeikhan.

5. In his famous kuys “Nazym” and “Kairan Sheshem” he created a gallery of woman images.

 

KURMANGAZY (2)

During many centuries Kazakh music was composed through vocal and instrumental means. A melody called kyui (pieces of music played on dombra, kobyz and other folk instruments) is the most popular form of music.

Themes of kyui are as various and different as the world around us. Kyui speaks about a person's feelings and his emotions in various sit­uations.

An outstanding piace among the folk musi­cians belongs to Kurmangazy Sagyrbayev (1818-1889). He is a big name in Kazakh instrumental folk music, a great composer and dombra play­er. He was born and lived in Western Kazakh­stan. When he was 10 years old he made a dom­bra for himself and carried it everywhere. At that time he composed his first melody. At the age of 18 he became a good musician and decided to leave his native place. Thus began his independent professional activity. While trav­elling through different villages, Kurmangazy met many singers and learnt their songs and kyuis.

He competed with those who played dom­bra; he took part in many competitions. This experience sharpened his skills and enriched his talent. He didn't only play dombra, he told inter­esting stories, legends and sang songs. The name of Kurmangazy became well known: he was invited to many places. Kurmangazy was a stu­dent of a famous 19th century folk composer, Uzak.

A Folk rebellion led by Isatai Taimanov and Mukhambet Utemisov aroused Kurmangazy, and he joined it. One of his important works, «Kish-kentai», was devoted to the rebellion. The mu­sic of Kurmangazy was stimulating; he was sure of the future victory of people.

The works of Kurmangazy, «Saryarka» and «Kobik Shashkan», are big artistic pictures show­ing the people who were not afraid and who didn't change their destiny during hard times. In «Saryarka» we can hear people's voices and the voice of a land wide and boundless. «Sar­yarka» is placed at the top of Kurmangazy's creative work. Time itself speaks in it. You can feel his call for a struggle when he speaks about the horse race and sings a victory song. That's why the journalist N. Savichev wrote (after meeting Kurmangazy in September, 1868 and listening to his music), «Kurmangazy is a beau­tiful musical soul and if he had had a European education, he could have been a superstar in the world of music.»

The creative work of Kurmangazy is still alive. About 80 of his kyuis are published. Now­adays dombra players follow Kurmangazy's tradition. At music schools and colleges, the art is taught according to the principles laid down by Kurmangazy.

 

Ø Comprehension task. Match the sentence beginning with the correct ending:

1. He is a big name in Kazakh …

2. He was born and lived …

3. At that time he …

4. Kurmangazy met many …

5. He competed with…

6. Time itself ….

7. The creative work of Kurmangazy …

a. … speaks in it.

b. … instrumental folk music.

c. … is still alive.

d. … those who played dom­bra.

e. … in Western Kazakh­stan.

f. … singers and learnt their songs and kyuis.

g. … composed his first melody.

 

Ø Pronunciation task.

1. Most verbs add – ed to form the past tense which sounds [d] or [t]. Put the verbs below into the correct column:

Composed, called, lived, carried, played, sharpened, enriched, aroused, joined, placed, published.

[d]

___________

[t]

 

2. Some verbs add –ed to form the past tense which sounds [id]. Find these verbs in the text, write them below:

[id]

___________

3. Practice saying these words.

 

 

Ñhokan Ualikhanov (1) (1835-1865)

 

Chokan (his full name is Mokhammed Khanafiya) was born in Kushmuryn fortress (Kokshetau region) to the family of Kazakh Sultan Genghis, Colonel of Russian Tsar Army, a great-grandson of Ablay. He learned to read and write, studied painting, Literature and the Arabic language at a private Kazakh school. He graduated from Omsk Military College in 1853.

He communicated with such famous persons as G.P.Potanin, N.F. Annenskiy, P.P.Semenov-Tienshansky, F.M. Dostoyevsky and others. Ualikhanov served in the West-Siberian Governorship, took an active part in the work of the Academy of Sciences and the Russian Geographic Society.

Travelling around Middle Asia, Kazakhstan, East Turkestan he got and re­corded the information about history and culture of Turkic people living in those regions. Being a great historian, publicist, linguist, geographer, musician, archeologist, ethnographer, traveler Chokan Ualikhanov did a lot for his people, he made research .and recorded national peculiarities of the people's life, traditions, customs, religion and language. The most significant of his works are “Notes on the Kyrgyz people”, “Traces of Shamanism in the Kyrgyz”, “Kyrgyz Pedigree”, “Essays on Dzhungaria“.

The memorial complex was built in honour of Ualikhanov‘s 150th anniversary not far from Kogen-Togan, in the place of Altyn-Emel where ‘the man of his time’ Chokan Ualikhanov was buried.

 

Ø Prove the following statements are correct according to the text:

1. Tchokan’s full name is Mokhamed Khanafiya.

2. He learned to read and write at a gymnasium.

3. He graduated from the Omsk Military College in 1863

4. Sh.Ualikhanov did a lot for his people.

5. The memorial complex was built in Kokshetau city.

 

Ø Find out the sentences in Passive Voice:

 

Ø Give facts from the story to prove the following:

1. He communicated with many famous persons of that time.

2. Chokan was born in the family of Kazakh Cultan Genghis.

3. He recorded the information about history and culture of Turkic people.

 

CHOKAN VALIKHANOV (1835 —1865) (2)

Chokan Valikhanov was a great scientist-historian, ethnographer, geographer, economist, folklorist, and traveler. He was an officer of the Russian army, a diplomat, the official of the Russian administration. (Kazakhstan was a part of the Russian State). He is regarded as the father of modern Kazakh historiography and ethnography.

His full name is Mohammed – Hanafiya. A nickname “Chokan” was given by his mother. Chokan Valikhanov was born in November 1835 in the Kushmurun fort in what is nowadays the Kostanay Province of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Chokan was a fourth generation descendant of Ablai Khan (an outstanding Kazakh ruler). Chokan's family was very respected by the government of the Russian Empire.

Chokan spent his youth in his father’s traditional yurt (a circular tent of felt or skins on a collapsible framework, used by nomads in Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey). His father Chingis arranged his son’s early education, enrolling him in 1842 at the age of six in a Kazakh small private school in his native village, which provided a secular education. It was here that he began his studies of the Arabic script and his native language. Chokan received representation about east poetry and studied in drawing. The last employment was his genuine passion and Chokan’s kept sketches demonstrate that the great talent of the remarkable artist lived in him. Since childhood Chokan’s father involved him in gathering the materials concerning legends and national traditions, and involved him in a circle of highly educated Russian scientists, engineers, officers. Chokan’s further career was predetermined by family tradition and received education: he is the Russian officer, diplomat and official.

Valikhanov entered the military academy in Omsk (a Russian city) in 1847. After graduating from this academy, where he read not only Russian but also English language literature, Valikhanov began his brief but brilliant career.

His work combined military intelligence and geographic exploration. His first successful expedition was his mission to the region of Issyq Kol (it is in modern Kyrgyzstan) in 1855-56. He was afterwards called to the Russian capital, St. Petersburg, in 1857 to report, and there he was elected to the Russian Geographical Society.

Living for two years in Petersburg, Chokan worked in the general staff on the preparation for the edition of the map of Asia; he participated in editions of works of Russian Geographical Society. Here Chokan published the works devoted to history and culture of Central Asia and the foreign East; his researches contained the huge material about history, ethnographies of Kazakhs, their life, customs and culture. He wrote the national epic poem "Kozy-Korpesh and the Bayan-Sulu" (a Kazakh version of Romeo and Juliet).

On June 28, 1858, Valikhanov began the expedition that would lead him to instant fame throughout Europe and into the pages of history. Serving as a decoy to the geo-political intentions of the mission, Valikhanov embarked (îòïðàâèëñÿ) with a caravan of 43 men, 101 camels and 65 horses. Following his successful passage through the Chinese border without suspicion, the caravan arrived in Kashgar in early October of 1858. Over the course of a half-year, Valikhanov took meticulous notes regarding major towns, including maps, the goods in the bazaars, the languages spoken and the customs practiced.

The expedition ended following increased suspicions, and they left Kashgar in April 1859. Valikhanov returned to St. Petersburg and became a fixture of the intellectual and cultural life during his short stay (1860 - spring of 1861) in the Russian capital.

In the spring of 1861 he became seriously ill with tuberculosis and had to leave Russia. He returned to his native steppe region in hopes of restoring his health. He never returned to St. Petersburg. However, frequent relapses (ðåöèäèâû) in his health prevented advances in his career. Unfortunately, Valikhanov succumbed (óñòóïèë) to his illness on April 10, 1865 at the age of 29. The short life of Valikhanov was a “meteor flashing across the field of oriental studies." In 1985 the memorial complex was constructed in honor of the 150-anniversary from the date of his birth nearby to the place where was buried in 1865.

 

1. Historian A. a person who specializes in the scientific description of peoples and cultures with their customs, habits, and mutual differences.
2. Ethnographer B. a person who has studied science and whose job is to teach or do research in science.
3. Geographer C. a person who is traveling or who often travels.
4. Economist D. a person who studies geography or is an expert in it.
5. Folklorist E. a person who specializes in the study of history, and who writes books and articles about it.
6. Traveler   F. F. a person who studies the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth.
7. Scientist G. a person who studies, teaches, or writes about economics.

Ø Match the words (1-5) with the definitions (a-e):

 

Ø What occupation would you like to have in future? Why?

Ø Answer the questions:

1. What role did Chokan’s father play in the life of his son?

2. Why was Chokan an officer of the Russian army?

3. What kind of contribution did Chokan make to the modern Kazakh historiography ethnography and culture?

4. Why was the travelling to Kashgar in early October of 1858 very dangerous?

5. Why is Chokan’s life compared with the “flashing meteor”?

 

ZhambyL Zhabayev (1845 - 1945)

 

Zhambyl was born at the foot of the mountains on the territory of the district now named after him. Akyn Suyunbai was the first teacher of Zhambyl. In the seventies of the last century Zhambyl started to take part in aityses. His first song “The Complaint “was written in 1862. Thus his creative activity started.

Zhambyl accepted the October Revolution in Russia with enthusiasm, seeing the way of freeing people from the yoke of feudalism in it. Many of his songs of that time were dedicated to Lenin, the revolution, and the changes taking place in life of young republic.

When World War II began, Zhambyl wrote some patriotic songs, which urged people to struggle against the hateful enemy such as the famous “The Leningraders, Children of Mine!" dedicated to all the defenders of blockaded Leningrad.

He lived long enough to see Victory Day, which he expected so much. He died on June 22, 1945. In 1946 the Literary Memorial Museum of Zhambyl Zhabayev was opened. Zhambyl Zhabayev left memory of himself in the hearts of people with his songs and poems.

 

Ø Answer the following questions:

1. Where and when was Z.Zhabayev born?

2. Who was his first teacher?

3. When did he write his first song?

4. What song did he dedicate to the defenders of Leningrad?

5. When was the literary memorial museum of Z.Zhabayev open?

 

Ø Find as many facts in the text to prove the following:

1. Zhambyl accepted the October Revolution in Russia with enthusiasm.

2. He wrote patriotic songs during World War II.

 


Date: 2015-01-12; view: 1487


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