Second-year foreign languages student Ayash Baker came to study at our university fr om Yemen, inspired by friends who had studied here before him. Back home, he had read works by Fyodor Dostoevsky in Arabic and was eager to immerse himself in Russian culture firsthand at Mordovia State University. Yaroslava Pangaeva spoke with Ayash about his experiences as a Southwest Asian student living in Russia.

 — Tell us about your home country. Wh ere are you from?
—I'm fr om Yemen, a country with deep-rooted Islamic customs and traditions. Arabic is our official language, though we also have many regional dialects, similar to the diversity found in Russia. Yemeni cuisine is rich in flavors and aromas, with traditional dishes often featuring rice and meat, primarily lamb, along with vegetables, fruits, and spices. Popular national dishes include «mandi» (a dish of stewed meat with rice) and «salta» (a meat soup with barley). Yemeni attire is also closely tied to Islamic customs. Men typically wear a long dress called a «dirya» and a cloak known as a «mahrama,» while women wear long dresses and headscarves. Music and dance are vital parts of Yemeni culture, featuring traditional instruments like drums (duff), string instruments (kaman and oud), and wind instruments (kurney and zurna).

 — What was your first impression of Russia?
— Like many international students, I was initially struck by how cold it was here! But over time, I adapted to the climate, and I’ve even grown to enjoy it. I also noticed that people here aren’t as openly friendly as they are back home. For instance, it’s unusual to start a conversation with a stranger, which took some getting used to.

— What are your hobbies?
—I enjoy walking around, playing soccer, and chess. I’m especially fond of Russian literature—I love reading stories and novels. I read Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky in Arabic, and I even participated in the international online literature festival, *Pushkin's Poetry in World Languages, where I recited Pushkin’s poem *The Prophet* in Arabic. I was captivated by its philosophical reflection on the role and significance of the creator in the world.

 — There are many international students at the university. What advice would you give them?
— Knowing multiple languages can transform you. The more languages you know, the more perspectives you gain, and this opens new opportunities for you. I also recommend learning the language of the country wh ere you’re living—it's tough to study and live without it. Language helps you understand the culture and the people around you. And don’t skip classes! Attending every session is essential if you want to become a professional.

The article was published in the «Voice of Mordovian University» newspaper (No. 9 — October 31, 2024).