Spring 2001 (9.1)
Page 11

Reader's Forum
Sociolinguistically Speaking

Editor: We received several letters this time related to materials that we have developed about the Azeri language and about our new language-related Web site: AZERI.org.

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Let me tell you, I absolutely love your column, "Sociolinguistically Speaking!" It's the first thing I look for in every new issue. Ever critical, I sometimes quip at the explanations given. No matter. My criticisms are very minor. The fact is that I believe this column to be very helpful for the learners of Azeri, and I always recommend it for those who are interested in our language.

Another Web site, Learning Practical Turkish, uses a somewhat similar approach. You might be interested in checking it out at http://www2. egenet.com.tr/mastersj/index.html.

But AZERI.org is, by far, the best compilation of Azeri resources anywhere online (or offline, for that matter). Not only does it enable foreigners to study and appreciate our language, it gives native speakers ample food for thought and the opportunity to debate matters of consequence for the well-being and development of Azeri, such as usage, changes in our alphabet and standardization of fonts.

Hafiz Gayibov Saitama (near Tokyo), Japan (Now returning home to Baku after studying in Japan for the past four years)

Editor: This Spring 2001 issue of Azerbaijan International includes the ninth installment of "Sociolinguistically Speaking". Previous columns may be read or downloaded and printed from our Web site, AZERI.org. Click on LEARNING AZERI. To our knowledge, it is the only series published in English that examines the dynamics of the Azeri language in social context. The articles examine Azerbaijani etiquette and social norms, and may even provide insight into cultural issues for those who don't want to tackle learning the Azeri language.

AZERI.org created by Azerbaijan International in August 2000, is devoted to articles both in the Azeri language and about it. Articles appear in Azeri Latin, the official script of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and in the modified Arabic script, familiar to Azerbaijanis who live in, or who have grown up in, Iran. The Web site also has articles in English that discuss the nature of Azeri, the transition from the Cyrillic script to Latin (1991) and language materials that assist in learning Azeri.

Note that AZERI.org does not require any fonts to be downloaded for either the Latin or Arabic scripts. Text is accessible for both IBM and Mac systems. This is possible because the materials are prepared in GIF image format. There are currently more than 3,000 GIF files and photos, and the site is growing, almost on a daily basis. Our latest development is an Azeri Latin literature section featuring the works of outstanding contemporary authors such as Anar, Yusif Samadoghlu, Sabir Ahmadli and others. Also, there's a new section featuring lyrics to popular songs in Azeri Latin. Many files include links to English translations.

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From Azerbaijan International (9.1) Spring 2001.
© Azerbaijan International 2001. All rights reserved.

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