Aruz in Braille for Blind Students

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Objective: The project, "Publishing the 'Rules of Aruz and Fundamentals of Classical Poetics' Textbook in Braille for Blind Students and Researchers," aims to make the study of aruz—a classical Uzbek poetic meter—accessible to blind students and researchers. The initiative focuses on creating an educational resource that converts the visual representations of aruz into Braille, allowing blind learners to fully engage with the rhythms, patterns, and structures of classical Uzbek poetry. This project aligns with Uzbekistan's national commitment to enhancing Braille literacy and supporting inclusive education, as outlined in the presidential decrees of 2022 and 2023.

Project Tasks:
Planning and Preparation:
1.    Identifying Learning Barriers: Conduct research to understand the specific challenges blind students face when learning aruz and classical poetics.
2.    Braille Conversion: Translate the electronic version of the "Rules of Aruz and Fundamentals of Classical Poetics" textbook into Braille, ensuring all symbols, rhythms, and patterns are accurately represented using the Duxbury Braille Translator (DBT) program.
3.    Text and Diagram Conversion: Meticulously adapt diagrams and texts to tactile formats for clear, comprehensive learning.
Publication and Distribution:
1.    Braille Printing: Print the Braille version of the textbook, which will consist of 183 pages, using a specialized Braille printer to ensure durability and high-quality outputs.
2.    Presentation and Distribution: Distribute the textbooks to information resource centers, universities, and institutions that cater to blind students and researchers. Present the project results to key stakeholders in the educational sector to raise awareness and encourage further adoption.
Project Outcome:
This project will have a significant impact on the accessibility of classical poetics for blind students and researchers, particularly through its innovative approach of presenting the "Rules of Aruz" in a tactile format. The outcomes include:
•    Educational Access: Blind students will gain access to materials that were previously inaccessible due to their reliance on visual symbols. This project enables them to learn the intricate meter of aruz, engaging deeply with Uzbek poetry and literature.
•    Enhanced Cultural Literacy: The textbook fosters a greater appreciation for Uzbek cultural heritage, as students are given the opportunity to explore classical poetics in a meaningful way.
•    Improved Learning Tools: By providing tactile representations of complex poetic symbols and structures, the textbook will serve as a valuable educational tool for blind learners in schools, universities, and research centers.
•    Empowered Students: Blind students will have the opportunity to study classical poetry on equal footing with their peers, promoting inclusivity and educational equity.

SDG 4 Alignment: This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and equitable education for all, ensuring that blind students have access to the same literary resources as their sighted peers. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing the unique educational needs of visually impaired individuals, making knowledge of classical poetics accessible to all students regardless of their visual abilities.

By publishing the "Rules of Aruz and Fundamentals of Classical Poetics" textbook in Braille, this project embodies Uzbekistan’s commitment to creating a more inclusive educational environment, where all students can appreciate and engage with their cultural heritage.

Project Manager:
Khoshimova Osiya
Advisor:
Munavvara Qurbonova
Department:
Literary Studies