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The Anglo-Belarusian Society cordially invites you to the traditional celebration of International Mother Language Day, which will take place on 24 February 2024 at 2 p.m. in the Skaryna Library.

Established by UNESCO, this day aims to promote awareness of cultural traditions based on mutual understanding, tolerance and dialogue. This has become especially important in modern times, when the reluctance of some to respect the linguistic and cultural traditions of others leads to war and conflict.

This year’s Mother Language Day falls on the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine and is dedicated to the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people for freedom and the preservation of their political and cultural identity.

This year, our guest will be Andrej Chadanovič, a renowned poet and translator. Thanks to his poetry translations from Ukrainian, Polish, French, English and other languages, we will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the culture of our nearest neighbours as well as peoples that are more geographically remote.

At the meeting, in support of the Ukrainian people, we will read poems by Serhiy Zhadan and listen to their translations. Together we will read the original poems in different languages ​​with translations by Andrej Chadanovič (there is no need to prepare in advance, as the organizers will provide texts), and we will listen to Andrei’s own poetry. Together we will also sing songs translated into Belarusian by our renowned guest (“Mury”/L’Estaca, Do you hear the people sing, Hallelujah, The Fields of Athenry…)

Admission is free upon registration (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-mother-language-day-with-andrej-chadanovic-tickets-817360044897?aff=oddtdtcreator), but donations to the Anglo-Belarusian Society would be gratefully received.
Event participants will be able to purchase collections of poetry and translations by Andrej Chadanovič.
At 17:30, at St Cyril of Turau Belarusian Church there will be a Panikhida (Requiem service) for all the victims of war in Ukraine.

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