Author of short stories is Yermakhan Shaikhyuly, Kazakh writer and satiric                       

                         Wise advice from an elder

An old man Ardabek came to home of his son, who lives in Almaty*. After greetings elder asked:

– Where is my grandson Omar? Please, bring him. I miss him and I want to kiss his cheeks and smell his forehead.

– Your grandson is in school now, – replied his son, – In 1-2 hours he will return. Untill he comes home, you can have dinner and rest.

– No, my son. I did not come to rest. Where is his school? I will bring him myself.

– Please, do not worry about that, father. His school is not far, near the home. He himself goes and returns every day. Instead, please, be patient. He will come very soon.

– No, I can not wait at home. I want to see my grandson’s school and meet with his teachers. Also I will breathe fresh air and relax my soul. Do not worry about me, and do your own work.

After saying this, the elder went out.

When he almost reached the gate of school, a teenager who was running, accidentally pushed him.

– Hey, my boy, please stop, – call him old man Ardabek, – What is your name?

– Alikhan, – said the boy being puffed.

– Your name is very good, my son!** Which school is it?

– School named after Ybyrai Altynsarin***.

– In which class do you study?

– In seventh class.

– How old are you?

– I am fourteen.

– Kazakhs say that the men can be head of the family at the age of thirteen. If you are fourteen, you are an adult man. Adult man should not make mistakes. Unfortunately, you made three mistakes now, my son.

– What kind of mistakes, grandfather?

– First of all, when muslims meet older people, they greet them. Because Kazakhs say that “The greeting is the mother of all words.” Also it is respect for older people. Second of all, Kazakh boys do not cross the path of elders. Because it is a bad sign. Thirdly, it is not true to run towards home, school or another building. Because in ancient times Kazakhs run home, when the enemies have come. Therefore it is still a bad sign and tactlessness. You said that your name is Alikhan. Alikhan Bokeikhan was the leader of the Kazakh nation, who lived in the last century. Therefore you have enormous responsibility and you should be an exemplary guy. Our ancestor Alikhan Bokeikhan said that “The knowledge is like a sun, it shines to everyone”. So you should receive deep knowledge and good upbringing in the school. Furthermore, you study in the school named after Ybyrai Altynsarin. He is – great enlighter, who lived in the XIX century. He is a teacher of the whole Kazakh nation. In one of his poems he wrote:

Come and let’s study, children,

Let’s learn by heart things which we studied.

If you study, the knowledge will throw the light on your way,

If you study, you will reach your all aims…

You see, he invited all Kazakh children to gain a high knowledge. Therefore he opened the first school in the land of Kazakhs in the XIX century. So you study in the school named after such a great and famous person. That is why you have no moral right to make the above-mentioned mistakes.

– Please, forgive me grandfather! I did not know such things before and I will not repeat my mistakes.

– All right, it is ok, my boy. You will correct your mistakes and improve your behavior. It is good quality to obey the advice of elders. I wish you to become a great son of your nation, as Alikhan Bokeikhan!

*Almaty – the largest city of Kazakhstan, which is located in the South-East of the country.

**Alihan is the name of the historical figure Alihan Bokeikhan, who lived in the XIX-XX centuries.

***Ybyrai Altynsarin – Kazakh enlighter, who lived in the XIX century.

 The good grandfather

Yerasyl is 4 years old. To his birthday his grandfather Quandyq and grandmother Kumis bought as a gift sled and gave him. But unfortunately it can not go itself. Somebody should pull the sleigh. Only Yerasyl knows that the adults are always busy to do so.

As usual today also he could not find a person, who would pull his sled, so he could ride on the sleigh. First of all he asked his mother. However she said:

–      I am busy.

Then he went to his father. But he caressed his son, and said:

–      Play yourself, my dear.

Now he hoped from his grandmother. However she, who usually always pampers him, was very busy today and worked hard in her own room. Therefore Yerasyl could not find anybody to play with, and wanted to cry. But his grandfather noticed all of these, and said:

– Yerasyl, let’s go out and play together, my soul.

Boy very rejoiced to hear this. Then grandfather pulled his grandson on a sled, they made a snowman together and etc. In short, they played with pleasure for several hours.

When they were returning to home, Yerasyl said sincerely:

–      You are the best grandfather in the world!

–      You are also the sweetest grandson on the planet, my soul! – replied the grandfather with great kindness.

                                Translated from Kazakh by Alpamys Faizolla