Pictures for my son turned into a Yakut alphabet: it was published by architect Anna Maksimova

Architect Anna Maksimova Anna published the first alphabet book in Yakut, Russian, and English, "Sakha Azbukata." Similar alphabet books in these three languages ​​were the first to exist. Anna created all the illustrations herself. She began compiling the book for her son 30 years ago to help him stay connected to his roots. 

"My son, Fyodor, studied at the Russian-American School in Mirny. Back then, I wanted him to memorize words immediately, even in other languages. During the pandemic lockdown, I remembered my old project. I rewrote the texts, added illustrations to the letters of the Yakut alphabet, and worked on the English translation," said Olga, Anna "Regional aspect".

Her son, Fyodor, a graphic designer by profession, also contributed to the work and did the layout. The problem was that not all fonts supported the Yakut alphabet. They published the book under a composite pseudonym: "Anna d'Art." 

The ABC book includes both original riddles and a "Totems" section, which explores how the Sakha people named animals, avoiding their direct names. This helps to gain a deeper understanding not only of the language but also of the spirit of Yakut culture.

Anna has another ethnographic project, “Proto-Sakha,” her own version of the origin of the Sakha people. 

Anna hasn't lived in Yakutia for a long time. She wants to write her next book about her childhood and call it "Khaar Kyys" (Snow Girl): "I'm so happy when it snows! I want to roll around in the snow again, like when I was a kid!" 

The alphabet in three languages ​​was published at the family’s expense, it can be deliver anywhere in Russia. Anna Maksimova is eagerly awaiting her first readers and reviews. You can contact the author by email: annasakhadart@gmail.com .

Photo: sakhaazbukata.