Iranian award-winning writer calls for promotion of native language literature
Samad Rahmani Khiavi, recipient of the prestigious Mehregan-e Adab Award, emphasizes the need for the establishment of regional centers that support and promote native language literature, including Turkic, Kurdish, and Arabic – native languages spoken in Iran. In an interview published on IBNA, Khiavi sheds light on his award-winning book, ‘Not Too Late to Love’, and shares his profound thoughts on the importance of education and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Tribute to teachers
‘Not Too Late to Love’ explores the realms of knowledge, education, and personal growth. Khiavi explains that the book was primarily inspired by his deep gratitude towards the teachers who shaped his academic journey. The novel intricately weaves together the experiences of both Khiavi and his professors, focusing on the intricate relationships between educators and students.
While ‘Not Too Late to Love’ is written in a novel format and accessible to general readers, Khiavi primarily intended it for students and their parents. The book offers valuable insights into understanding the dynamics of teacher-student relationships and provides guidance to parents on how to effectively communicate with educators. By reading this book, parents can gain a better understanding of the importance of supporting teachers and addressing any concerns they may have.
Khiavi further reveals that his motivation for writing ‘Not Too Late to Love’ stemmed from his desire to immortalize the memories of his late mother, father, and brother. Furthermore, he sought to express his deep appreciation for his teachers and professors, acknowledging their significant impact on his life and career.
Despite the challenges faced by the publishing industry, ‘Not Too Late to Love’ has received three editions and garnered positive feedback from readers. Many expressed their gratitude and praised the book for its relevance and well-developed characters. Khiavi’s colleagues and surviving teachers also expressed their satisfaction with the publication. However, some critics pointed out the lack of adherence to modern storytelling techniques.
Khiavi goes on to advocate for the recognition and promotion of native language literature. He highlights the importance of translating and localizing works written in different languages, including Turkic, Kurdish, and Arabic. He suggests the establishment of regional centers dedicated to native language literature, which would provide a platform for authors and facilitate the dissemination of their works.
When asked about future writing endeavors, Khiavi confirms his commitment to writing in Turkic, his native language. He believes that expressing oneself in the mother tongue allows for a stronger connection with readers and enables a more authentic portrayal of emotions and experiences. While acknowledging the talent of Turkic speakers in writing Persian novels, he emphasizes the importance of language mastery in creating vivid imagery and capturing nuances.
Samad Rahmani Khiavi’s award-winning book, ‘Not Too Late to Love’, not only pays homage to teachers but also sheds light on the significance of native language literature. Through his writing, he inspires readers to appreciate the power of education and encourages the preservation of cultural heritage.