Ravshonbekova Gulmira
By: Ravshonbekova Gulmira
A nation has two foundations: its language and its religion. If either of these is removed from the life of a nation, it begins to decline.
— Ismail Gasprinskiy
Language is the spiritual wealth of a nation. It is a great treasure, an invaluable asset, and an inexhaustible wealth. A nation cannot develop, grow, or prosper without a language. This is because the nation’s history, its cultural and spiritual heritage, customs, and traditions are all embodied in it.
The well-known scholar of our country, Ravshan Yulchiyev, planned his next journey to Russia. You might be wondering: who is Ravshan Yulchiyev? Ravshan aka is a linguist. He regularly travels to different countries to study their languages and cultures. This time, he is heading to Russia. But before setting off, he seeks the blessings of his parents and takes a handful of soil from his homeland. He never imagines leaving on a long journey without these essentials.
Ravshan always had one heartfelt wish — to speak his native language freely in every corner of the world, just like other global languages. Unfortunately, that’s not possible yet. He doesn’t even have a companion. Because he conducts all his research alone. But for someone who knows 12 languages, this poses no difficulty.
He started implementing his plans in Russia one by one. Whenever he missed his homeland, he would read works written in his native language with great joy, and the smell of his homeland’s soil, which he carried with him, would bring back memories of the familiar scents of home. Like in other countries, he amazed Russian scholars and linguists as well, showcasing the richness of the Uzbek language. He participated in various events, conferences, and seminars, and on the seventh day, he decided to return home — to his motherland.
Before leaving, he entered a shop to buy gifts for his parents — a beautiful scarf for his mother and a unique cane for his father. As he exited the shop, his eyes suddenly fell on an elderly woman sitting on the ground. He ran over, took her by her right hand, helped her up, and to his surprise… Yes, it was Gulchehra aya — the very teacher who had first taught him the words “Motherland”, “Mother”, and “Language”, and the importance of valuing them.
Ravshan remembered the stories about his teacher. Many years ago, Gulchehra aya had been taken to Russia by her son against her will. Since then, no one had heard from them. Fate had reunited teacher and student in a foreign land after many years. Gulchehra aya immediately recognized Ravshan aka. She was overjoyed. She hadn’t seen a single familiar face since arriving in this foreign land.
After their emotional reunion, Gulchehra aya shared her story with Ravshan aka. Her struggles could be seen in her trembling voice, her pale, wrinkled face, and her sorrowful, tear-filled eyes. Ravshan learned that her son Bo‘rivoy had come to Russia but couldn’t find a stable job due to not knowing the language. After wandering for some time, he had finally found a job, only to die in a tragic accident shortly thereafter. Since then, Gulchehra aya had been left jobless, penniless, and alone — a fact that deeply saddened Ravshan aka.
With a look of regret, Gulchehra aya said:
“My child, I have lived here for seven years and constantly heard the Russian language. But I didn’t learn a single word. I simply had no desire or affection to learn another language. I used to repeatedly tell you all about the greatness of our mother tongue — and now I’m certain of it. Even while sitting or walking here, I yearned for my mother tongue. I longed to speak freely in Uzbek. But it was impossible, my son,” — said Gulchehra aya in tears.
She continued:
“I don’t need foreign lands when I have my homeland and my own language. Please, take me back to my people — those who call me ‘Gulchehra aya’, ‘teacher’, ‘neighbor’, ‘dear friend’ with warmth and love. Take me back to my homeland where I can speak my language freely!”
Let it be poor, let it be modest,
Still, it is dear and beloved to me.
Even if not heard from global platforms,
My mother tongue is sacred and great to me.
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