Famous People of Belarus

Our motherland has always been rich in gifted people who bring fame and glory to their nation. Among them you can find the names of politicians and public figures, intellectuals, scientists, heroes of war and labor, artists and sportsmen. The worlds know the names of our outstanding writes Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas. They created new Belorussian literature and the Belorussian literary language. These names are followed by a number of other well-known writers and poets such as Krapiva, Chorny, Bykov, Shamyakin, Karatkevich.

The cultural life of Belarus has always been very interesting and varied. Among the composers are Churkin, Bogatyrev, Smolsky, Lukas, Luchenok, and Olovnikov.

Plenty of prominent names in the history of Belarus of the 20^th century are connected with the Second World War and space explorations. We are especially proud of the heroes of the last war: Zaslonov, Osipov, Gastelo, the defenders of the Brest fortress and many others. In the family of cosmonauts there are also two Belorussians Kovalenok and Klimuk.

A great number of prominent names are connected with the history of our country. Euphrosine of Polotsk served the noble idea of the Belorussian Enlightenment. She rejects the common life of any woman. Now we can only wonder how many books from her workshop were served, how many pupils finished her schools and how long those schools existed.

Fransick Scarina was one of the first printers, enlightener, humanitarian and a scholar of the Renaissance period. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree and then the degree of Doctor of Science. The most important of his achievements was the translation and publication of the Bible into the Belorussian language and he is today by right called the First East Slav and Belorussian printer. His aim and desire were to spread the written language, public education and culture, he stimulated the progress of the Belorussian literature and writing.

Vocabulary

Questions:

1. Who are the famous people of Belarus?

2. Are any of Minsk streets named after these people?

3. Do you know the names of the heroes of World War II?

4. Can you name any political figures of Belarus?

5. Would you like to be a famous person?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital of the Republic of Belarus, its political, economic, scientific and cultural centre. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in our republic., Its name was first mentioned in chronicles in 1067,

Minsk is situated on the river Svisloch, and occupies an area of 200 square kilometres. Its population is about 1, 8 million.

During the Great Patriotic War Minsk was destroyed by German invaders almost completely. In post-war years the city was rebuilt anew. Modern Minsk is a city of numerous plants and factories, modern buildings, tree-lined streets, beautiful parks and gardens. It is also a big traf­fic centre with a large network of railways, roads, airline and two Metro lines.

Minsk has a highly developed industry. There are hundreds of industrial enterprises in the city which produce tractors and automobiles, motor-cycles and bicycles, TV sets and radio-sets, watches and refrigerators, electronic computers, textile, footwear, food and other goods. Our Belarus tractors and MAZ trucks enjoy a high reputation both in our country and abroad.

Minsk is also known as a city of science and students.There are 16 state higher educational establishments there, the biggest of which are the Belarusian State University and the Polytechnical Academy. Alternative, non-state-owned schools of various kinds have been opened in Minsk of late.

The cultural life of the people in the Belarusian capital is varied and interesting. In Minsk there are 6 theatres, anumber of concert halls, a circus, dozens of cinemas, many palaces of culture, libraries and clubs. The most famous theatres are the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Yanka Kupala State Academic Theatre, the Gorky Russia Drama Theatre.

Among the most interesting museums one can mention the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War, the Art Museum, Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas muse­ums.

Minsk is a Hero-City. It was honoured with the title in 1974 for people's courage and heroism during the Great Patriotic War.

The citizens of Minsk are proud of their city. It is beautiful at any time of the year. A lot of tourists from our country and abroad come to Minsk to see its sights.

Questions:

1. Are you from Minsk?

2. When was Minsk founded?

3. What industrial enterprises are there in Minsk?

4. Can you name the theatres and museums of Minsk?

5. What do you like in Minsk most of all?