Meshrep Uhturux

Kelerki qitim meshrep:

Kun we waqti: 5-ay 8-kun (Yekxembe) saet 11 de
Orni: McLean Governmental Center
1437 Balls Hill Road McLean, Va. 22101
Meshrep sayiphani: Gheyret

Upcomming meshrep:

Date and Time: 05/08/05 (Sunday) at 11:00AM
Location: McLean Government Center
1437 Balls Hill Road McLean, Va. 22101
Hosted by: Gheyret

Direction: From I-495 Exit to Route 123 Chain Bridge Road toward McLean, drive about 1 mile turn left into Lewinsville Road, at first light turn right into Balls Hill Road, it is the first building on your right.               

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My Thought About “Language Discussion”

Gulbahar Mamut

Following the on-going "language discussion" in the recent days at Meshrep.com, Dr. Kahar Barat has certainly made a very valid and compelling argument about the Uyghur alphabet for computer application that we might take into our consideration. He presented his expertise quite extensively in this particular area from all perspectives. Like many of you, I was somewhat used to and comfortable with ULY, however, reading Dr. Barat's paper made me think of that twice. The alphabet he presented is precise and simple and yet it does not loose the characteristics of the correct language pronunciation, it is certainly easier to use when it comes to those controversial phonemes kh, gh, c, x, q, h, etc. More importantly, using fewer alphabets entails saving unaccountable hours of computer time, spare unaccountable effort to get the message across, it is particularly true when we think ahead for the next 50 or perhaps 100 years from today. Have we ever thought about how many British actually understand Shakespearian English? Isn’t it the English we are using today the product of changes through many centuries? The language is something that is constantly subject to change in order to comply with social, cultural and technological changes. We should not think just today or 10 years from today, think further. We should not restrict ourselves to whatever we are used to, be ready to embrace those changes and make the changes (simplicity) to our advantage seems to be a more favorable attitude we should maintain. The changes, let’s get back to basics, are not up to anyone’s free will. My point is, for computer writing, we should welcome simpler and less confusing version for it to last.

It is a fact that from the recent postings on Meshrep.com, it is not hard to see that most of us are worried that it is an extra work to endorse or promote any changes besides ULY. We think we believe that ULY/UKY has been established and institutionalized. Isn't that the same scenario in a general sense that every time something new to be placed in the forefront, the concern comes tailing after? The preferable ULY/UKY argument is strongly based upon that 8 million Uyghur in Eastern Turkistan (ET) has already known about ULY/UKY, they are used to it, some government entity has approved it and it is official. Let’s think realistically, do we have 1% of 8 million Uyghur actually possess a computer at home? I have strong doubts based on the socio-political fact that "everyone" has the full access to computers not to mention that “everyone” knows what alphabetical form to use. Since only a small percent of people actually own computers, what is the significance of talking established alphabet? Don’t we think that there is still space and time to establish one that is the best for all of us to use?

Most Uyghurs in general use Kona Yiziq in non-official and more Chinese when communicating in official setting. When using a computer, on the other hand, people are still experiencing variety of versions of Latin Alphabet just as we do outside ET. ULY has not all likely "ESTABLISHED" for majority of people at presetn time. Most Uyghurs living outside ET have either graduated from All-Uyghur language schools (min kao min) with additional Chinese language training, or All-Chinese language schools (min kao han) learned Uyghur by interests as a necessity. Whatever background we have, we do obtain some degree of education from recognized universities either in ET or from the US…. Even we cannot come to an agreement in using a uniformed form of alphabet to express ideas as appeared through many of the Uyghur related websites, how do we expect majority of our folks back home to be so informed?. The fact is the “ESTABLISHED” ULY has not prevailed as much as we thought it is. In such context, on what ground can we assume that the ULY has gained popularity among 8 million of our country folks in ET and those millions all know ULY and they all have access to computers in the first place?

In my opinion, we should not too terribly concern about the presumably government approved ULY, what disaster it might bring if changes take place; it is too early for that. People are still in the beginning stage of how to use a computer, they are yet to learn what alphabet presented as best. Simplicity can only do good than harm, we should be open to those changes, pursue simplicity, think outside boxes, again, simpler the better.
I was compelled to write my thoughts, your argument on the subject matter is very welcome. Through such discussion, I sincerely hope that we can come to a common ground that we all think it is the best and fair alphabet for all.

Thanks.