Unforgettable Moments of Our Final Year

Time flies at an incredible speed. It feels like just yesterday we stepped into university as curious, playful freshmen, struggling to navigate the academic system. And now, before we even realized it, we are in our final year—some of us already married, some even parents, all of us grown into mature individuals. Over the past four years, we have experienced countless challenges and milestones, but today, I want to share the most memorable part of this journey—our final-year internship.

At our university, we are privileged to learn from some of the finest professors, and this extends to our practical training as well. We were fortunate to be mentored by outstanding experts, particularly during our internship at the historical Registan complex. Under the guidance of our supervisor, G. Sirocheva, an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide, we gained invaluable insights into the art of guiding tourists. She spared no effort in sharing her expertise, encouraging us to develop our translation and guiding skills through hands-on practice with both local and foreign visitors.

Samarqand, a city with a rich historical legacy, continues to mesmerize the world with its stunning architectural wonders and centuries-old monuments. Studying its cultural heritage is not only fascinating but also a great responsibility. As aspiring translators and guides, sharing this wealth of knowledge with visitors brings us immense pride.

For any guest visiting Samarqand, exploring its ancient landmarks is very pleased. The city’s blue-domed minarets, the grandeur of the Timurid era, and its well-preserved historical essence create an atmosphere that transports visitors to another time. Registan Square, once the heart of the city’s bustling marketplace, remains the primary attraction for tourists. Stepping onto this historic site, one cannot help but feel the lingering presence of the Timur era’s splendor.

As translation and interpretation students, our internship was structured to balance both practical fieldwork and academic translation exercises. We spent three days a week at historical sites, honing our guiding skills, while the remaining days were dedicated to translating various texts, including official documents and literary works.

One of the most exciting projects assigned to our group was preparing English subtitles for the Uzbek film O‘tgan Kunlar (Bygone Days). Under the guidance of our mentor, F. Bakiyev, we delved deep into the complexities of literary translation. We explored techniques for adapting idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and figurative language while ensuring cultural and linguistic accuracy. Additionally, we learned about modern subtitling platforms and tools, further expanding our skill set in audiovisual translation.

Looking back, this year has been one of the most enriching experiences of our academic journey. It rovided us with invaluable opportunities to apply our theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and take a significant step forward in our professional development. The dedication of our professors, the time and effort invested in our education, and the doors being opened for us as young professionals all serve as a reminder that we must continue striving for excellence.

As we stand on the brink of graduation, we are more determined than ever to make the most of the opportunities ahead, honoring the hard work of our mentors and making a meaningful contribution to our field.

2123 group of final-year students,

Faculty of English Philology and Translation Studies

Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages