Renowned Kyrgyz scholar Mukhamе Imazov dies at 86

Mukhamе Imazov, a prominent Kyrgyz scholar and corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences, has died at 86. A doctor of philological sciences and professor, he devoted his academic career to studying and developing the Dungan language.

Imazov was among the scholars who established the foundations for the language’s academic study and description. He wrote dozens of monographs and hundreds of research articles covering Dungan phonetics, morphology, morphonology and syntax.

One of his major works was “Grammar of the Dungan Language,” which brought together the results of his many years of research. The National Academy of Sciences said he also made a significant contribution to teaching the language by helping create and publish school textbooks and teaching materials, many of which he edited.

He advised Dungan-language teachers and supported them through professional-development courses. Beyond his academic and educational work, Imazov took part in cultural events organized by Dungan communities in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and spoke repeatedly at international conferences on the study and teaching of the Dungan language.

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The scholar also made a significant contribution to teaching the Dungan language.