18
Abu Ali ibn Sino
Textbook: Part 2, pp. 16–21
GoalKnow the difference between a legend (rivoyat) and a biography; state key facts about Abu Ali ibn Sino.
New words
legend, traditional tale · rivoyatphysician · tabibgreat scholar · allomencyclopedic scholar · qomusiy olim
Explanation
The textbook gives brief information about Abu Ali ibn Sino and a legend which shows the scholar’s love for books. We do not retell the legend. A rivoyat is a tale handed down by word of mouth; alongside historical truth it may contain invention. A biography (tarjimai hol) gives the exact, checked facts of a person’s life. Abu Ali ibn Sino was a great encyclopedic scholar, physician and philosopher, born in 980 in the village of Afshona near Bukhara. In the West he is known as Avicenna.
Worked examples
“The great physician”. Ibn Sino loved reading books from childhood. He gathered his medical knowledge in one work and wrote “Tib qonunlari” (the Canon of Medicine). For centuries this book served as a textbook for physicians both in the East and in European universities. His name is still mentioned with respect in many countries of the world. We remember this scholar as a symbol of knowledge and hard work.
Comparison: a legend – a tale passed on by mouth; a biography – exact facts (born at Afshona, 980).
Class activity
“Fact or legend?”: the teacher reads statements; children answer “biography” for a fact or “legend” if it may be invention.
Practice
1
Where was Ibn Sino born?
In the village of Afshona near Bukhara
2
In which year was he born?
980
3
What kind of book is the Canon of Medicine?
A famous medical work used as a textbook for centuries.
4
By what name is Ibn Sino known in the West?
Avicenna
5
State the difference between a legend and a biography.
A legend is passed on by mouth; a biography gives exact facts.