Names guide our destiny

If there is such a nation as Belarus, then there should be purely Belarusian family names. In the mid-20th century, academician Nikolay Birillo began searching for Belarusian family names. Family names ending with 'vich', such as Mitskevich or 'sky', such as Ivanovsky denote nobility*. Scientists say that names ending with 'vich' appeared in the 15th century while those with 'sky' date back to the 17^th centurv. Meanwhile, names ending with 'ov' — such as Ivanov — only appeared in the 19 tn century; they are similar to those met in Russia and Ukraine.

Belarusian names have unique national features, being formed from the name of professions, animals and plants: Gonchar (potter), Kravets (tailor), Zhaba (frog). Later, these simple names were supplemented with specific endings — depending on the locality: 'eiko' (Domeiko), 'ushko' (Adamushko), 'ik' (Davydik), as a result, more complicated family names appeared.

Last year, sixteen girls in Minsk were named Eva, but there were no Adams registered. Thus, fashion is important while choosing first names.

The same names do not remain popular forever. Natasha was extremely popular about half a century ago; now it isn't. Film and book characters have always been popular and. today, parents are choosing names relating to the church calendar. Among the rarest names are Taisia, Dominika, Karolina and Evelina. Vera, Nadezhda and Lyubov are also less popular, unlike Sofia. For boys, Alexander is popular, while Victor has lost its popularity.

Double names are rarely met, however, an interesting case has been registered in Minsk. A 28-year-old mother and 32-year-old father named their daughter Yelizaveta. Unfortunately, the baby was born needing help to breathe. Her mother prayed to the Virgin Mary and a miracle happened; their daughter recovered. The parents then decided to add another name, so their daughter became Yelizaveta-Maria — in honour of the saint who saved her life. We are responsible in selecting names, as we see them not as labels but as names that may govern destiny.

2. The author tells us about some national features in Belarusian last names. Find this extract and read it aloud.

3. How do parents choose names for their children?

4. Why did Nikolay Birillo decide to study Belarusian family names?

№68

1. Read the article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

Never forgotten

The first stone has been laid in the foundation of the new building of the Museum of Great Patriotic War History. A time capsule has been laid into the foundation and, by spring 2013, the building is to open. Architects have done their best to make the five-storey, multi-level building, with each of its four sections symbolising a year of the war.

The decision to set up a museum dedicated to the fight against Nazi fascism* was taken in 1942. It opened its doors in Minsk in July 1944. Millions of people have visited it since and, with the passing years, the need for a new, more spacious and well-equipped building has become clear. Each year, over 150,000 people visit the museum. Of course, they hope to find objective information and leave with a lasting impression.

The new museum will be located near the centre of the Belarusian capital, on a hill near the Minsk-Hero-City Memorial and Pobedy Park. It will primarily reflect the heroic deeds of the Belarusian people and the big role of the Red Army in defeating Nazis*. However, technical innovations, such as dynamically lit electronic maps, electronic catalogues, interactive facilities will help visitors to receive brighter impressions.

We cannot change the fact that fewer witnesses of those dramatic military battles survive today, but we can preserve the past for new generations. Most schools in Belarus have a small museum of military glory, set up by enthusiasts. Professional historians have done much to develop this patriotic movement, preparing dozens of educational textbooks for pupils and teachers, helping to explain the events of 1941 — 1945.

Why is interest in these distant events so keen? The territory of contemporary Belarus has seen over 200 wars in the past centuries and our nation showed heroism and patriotism on so many occasions. From 1941 — 1945, we fought against Europe's strongest army. Belarus paid a high price for its victory — 9,200 towns and villages were burnt and there were millions of victims. This can never be forgotten.

2. The author explains when the museum was created and how it has changed over the years. Find this extract and read it aloud.

3. What will the visitors be able to see in the new museum?

4. Why are people interested in the Museum of Great Patriotic War History?

№69

1. Read the article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

a dome

купол

a landslide

обвал, оползень

a parish

церковный приход