Memories of the Student E. D. Polivanov Yan-Shan-Sin about His Teacher
In the first year of work, it was not possible to go on an expedition. E. D. Polivanov and the young researcher Yusup Yan-Shan-Sin urgently had to engage in compiling a textbook of the Dungan language, while Tynystanov and Abdukaimov worked on the Kyrgyz language.
That same year, together with Yasir Shivaza, E. D. Polivanov translated "The Internationale" into the Dungan language and often, as later recalled by the now-folk poet Shivaza, hummed it in Dungan.
In general, Polivanov was able to participate in a field expedition in Kyrgyzstan only once - in the summer of 1936: from June 23 to August 10, and even then according to a strictly scheduled and approved route. A characteristic order issued on July 20, 1936, by the Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Cultural Construction illustrates this situation.
“To the head of the Dungan expedition, Professor Polivanov.
1. It is categorically required to follow the expedition route and exclusively with Yan-Shan-Sin. Your independent outings (without Yan-Shan-Sin) will disrupt the work of the expedition.
2. Any change in the route (Kara-Kunuz — Karakol) will be considered a violation of the Institute's work plan; travel expenses and per diems during deviation from the general route will be charged to your account.
3. I propose to report from each telegraph point to the Institute about the time of departure and arrival, indicating the overall status of the work.
4. The expedition's work must be completed by August 10; otherwise, Yan-Shan-Sin cannot go on vacation.
Deputy Director I. Batmanov.”
It is safe to say that such an order would not inspire enthusiasm in anyone’s work.
28 years later, Yan-Shan-Sin recalled:
“We were on an expedition to study and collect materials on the Dungan language, visiting the villages of Aleksandrovka, Irdyk, the city of Przhevalsk in the Kyrgyz SSR... and in the village of Karakunuz in the Kazakh SSR... Possessing a phenomenal memory, Professor E. D. Polivanov, to lighten the journey in the tarantass, recited the 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey' in Greek from memory for several hours straight. At the same time, he was translating the Kyrgyz heroic epic 'Manas' and reciting hundreds of verses from memory. Two works from the linguistic expedition have survived, while the rest of the expedition materials have not reached our days...”
Despite the decidedly uncreative atmosphere at the Institute, E. D. Polivanov worked enthusiastically in the expedition, enjoying the company of his young colleague and student Yan-Shan-Sin, who remained steadfastly loyal to the scientific principles of his esteemed teacher until the end.
Main work of Professor Polivanov in Frunze
