By Shongqar Uyghur, May 29, 2025
Writer and linguist Abduweli Ayup’s new book dedicated to Uyghur teenagers, titled “What Do They Say” (Ular Nime Deydu), was published at the end of May.
Considering the needs of teenagers in diaspora who use different scripts, the book has been published for the first time in both traditional Uyghur script and Uyghur Latin script. This dual-script approach aims to prevent the emergence of different identities, different literary traditions, and linguistic customs among Uyghur children due to script differences.
The book consists of unique songs, proverbs, and poetic pieces themed around the lives of Uyghur youth, characterized by simple language, short verses, and rhythmic qualities. The publication emphasizes expressing and sharing the voices, interests, and emotions of children living in different countries.
This work is a continuation of the author’s ongoing series of educational books aimed at helping Uyghur youth develop independently, healthily, and intelligently while promoting Uyghur values and perspectives.
Abduweliayup has been publishing educational children’s books since 2017. Among these, books titled “Uyghur Lessons,” “The Taste of My Language,” and “Little Historian” have received particular acclaim in the diaspora and have become popular reading materials for children in Uyghur families.
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