ISLAMABAD, November 12. /Dunyo IA/. An Uzbek language dictation competition titled “Dictation for Compatriots Abroad” was held among Uzbek compatriot students at “Westminster Islamabad” school, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Competition was organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan and Elza Amirova, a compatriot and teacher at “Westminster Islamabad” school. She supervised the dictation and evaluated the papers based on spelling and punctuation accuracy, word orthography and comprehension of the text. Students listened attentively to the text in Uzbek and wrote it down.

Following the competition, the participants’ papers were reviewed and the spelling and stylistic mistakes made were explained. Students were advised to adhere to the norms of Uzbek orthography, read more and regularly develop their written language skills.

“Living and studying abroad should not weaken our children’s love for the Uzbek language. Wherever we may be, preserving our language, national values and culture is the duty of each of us, said Elza Amirova. - I was very pleased by the students’ interest, responsibility and enthusiasm. Of course, some shortcomings in spelling and punctuation were noted, which is natural. Most importantly, the students tested their knowledge, recognized their mistakes, and gained an opportunity to work on them”.

Papers were evaluated not only by the number of errors, but also by the students’ diligence, attentiveness and attitude toward their native language. After all, learning a language is not merely about literacy, but also about preserving national identity.

Initiative became an important step in preserving and promoting the Uzbek language among compatriots abroad and strengthening their unity.