Outstanding Belarusians. Card 15

Card 15. Let’s talk about outstanding people

1. Tell me about some Belarusians who are well known all around the world.

There are many famous people among Belarusians. They are writers and poets, scientists and sportsmen, politicians and cosmonauts.
First of all, I’d like to mention Francysk Scaryna. He was a humanist, a scholar, a translator and the first book printer in Eastern Europe. He translated the Bible into the old Belarusian language and made it accessible to common people.
Then come Belarusian scientists, such as Pavel Sukhoi, Zhores Alferov, Boris Kit and others. Gomel technical university bears the name of Pavel Sukhoi. He was an aerospace engineer, designer of more than 50 original aircraft solutions. Boris Kit developed space fuel. Zhores Alferov was the winner of 2000 Nobel Prize in Physics.
I can’t but mention Mark Chagall, a brilliant representative of the 20th century avant-garde with his unique style.
These prominent figures make me feel proud of my country. They proved that Belarus is a talented nation.

2. Do you know anyone who is a Nobel Prize winner?
Yes, I do. Svetlana Alexievich is the first Belarusian author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

3. What questions will you ask that person?
How long did it take you to write “War’s Unwomanly Face”?
Why did you choose the genre of documentary literature?
What advice would you give a beginning writer?
How did your life change after getting the Nobel Prize?

4. Your British friend wants to learn more about the culture of Belarus. What advice will you give him/her?
The best way to learn about the culture of my country is to visit it. While in Belarus I would recommend him to visit the village of Dudutki and take part in Kupalle. Thus he will see Belarusian past and traditions.

5. Woody Allan said: “The only thing standing between me and greatness is ME” What do you think about it?
I think it means that to achieve great aims people should forget about themselves and care for the whole mankind.