| Description |
Art of oratory - ‘Chechendik onour’ represents a type of the oral art, which is distinguished by keenness and originality of the poetic text. Well-known masters of the word ‘chechens’ have always been treated with respect; their performances have been preserved in the popular memory, transmitted from one generation to another, growing into legends. ‘Chechendik onour’ is one of the main parts of ‘aitysh’, a poetic competition, which determines its structure built on a question-answer, on the use of riddles as well as on a rhythmic structure of the text.
In the art of oratory, all types of oral folk art are used. Oratory speech exploits proverbs and sayings, intoned words, catch phrases and expressions. In some oratory poetry contests, only proverbs and sayings were used. Only the best of the best who believed in their abilities could participate in such competitions.
In the manner of performance of the chechens, facial expressions, posture, turn of phrase, play with intonations, the use of riddles, tongue twisters, fables, and other expressive means of verbalising thoughts play a predominant role. They were very versed in their skills of eloquence and allegory, built their own conclusions, actively used elements of satire and humour. The speaker must be able to think deeply and have a good knowledge of folk philosophy. Through becoming a role model and by combining educational goals, their main purpose is to solve such problems as the establishment of international relations and the resolution of small strifes and conflicts.
There were also many talented women-chechens among the Kyrgyz people.
|
| Social and cultural significance |
Art of oratory undertakes a central position in the human literary art and language culture. Masters of oratory art are found in every nation of the world.
The Kyrgyz people have long developed the literary art, particularly due to the absence of a full-fledged written language. To this day, each aiyl has its own storytellers participating in special competitions called aitysh. The gift of a skilful speaker is extremely valued by the people. And this appreciation of the literary art is passed down from generation to generation.
Speakers-chechens were considered to be rare talents who had an outstanding knowledge of history of the Kyrgyz people, were just without seeing the world in black and white, could stand up for the honour of the people, knew how to find the right words in the right time, could stop and resolve conflicts between nations with their eloquence, with words could free people from death. They are preserved in the people’s memory by their wit, eloquence, pure soul, high internal culture, and exemplary life. They spoke convincingly, logically, intelligibly, in a confident and dignified manner, skilfully overcoming conflicting objections and bearing psychological blows.
But most importantly, they had a huge influence over their tribes, were advisers to the clans’ leaders, acted as diplomats, and often resolved controversial issues. Chechens certainly knew that the oratory skill can be turned into a very powerful tool for influencing and manipulating people.
|
| Transmission method |
Art of oratory, as one of the ancient crafts, was passed down through talented people by word of mouth among the Kyrgyz people.
The Kyrgyz speakers have never attended special institutions, they were not let into the oratory secrets, they never studied oratory art. Oratory is an innate talent, which is created only by one's own ability; there could not be any mentions of teacher or master. Oratory skills were obtained from life experience, attributable to their general knowledge and knowledge of the people’s history. However, despite the absence of special institutions where speakers could learn the oratory art, oratory was passed down verbally from generation to generation, from father to son.
|
| Community |
The community in Kyrgyzstan are chechens and akyns. They are represented by the Public Foundation "Aitysh", Public Foundation "Manas Muras". Great contribution to preservation of the element is made also by representatives Art of Akyns researches organisations: Cultural Research Center "Aigine", Institutes of the National Academy of Science (Kyrgyzstan) and overall population of Kyrgyzstan as an audience.
The most famous Kyrgyz chechens -Kalygul, Kokotai, Tilekmat, Akmataly etc.
|
