Macedonians of today are proud of their heritage
Especially the role of women in keeping language alive
During a violent century, it was the Macedonian speaking home
That held together the Macedonians as a distinct people
Who held the people together?
She who was the preserver of the Macedonian language
The teacher is honoured by the child's first word "Majka"
Words to infants are seeds planted, which grow to become
Words of poetry and song, sadness and joy, nation and patriotism
Words of tradition, history, life and death
Who is the teacher?
She who was the preserver of the Macedonian language
Macedonians have always held their language to be original
Adversaries could not stifle or disallow their beloved language
Circumstances force men to leave and learn new languages
In the home the woman is the keeper of the spoken word
Who stands? Who is guardian?
She who was the preserver of the Macedonian language
Balkan, World and Civil wars bring upheaval, emigration and cha
nge
Outside the home the Macedonian man is battered by nationalism
His national flame Macedonia for Macedonians is nearly extinguished
Inside the home, children cling to the woman's apron; embers glow
Whose apron?
She who is the preserver of the Macedonian language
Outside the assimilators, press their false racial claims
You are Greek, you are Bulgarian you are Serbian
Inside the home, the woman speaks quietly to the children
In native tongue she tells them "Nea sme Makedonci"
Who tells them?
She who is the preserver of the Macedonian Language
When you meet a black dressed Baba of peasant stock
Forget not to praise her, this unsung linguistic heroine
This language we moderns so casually, speak, read and write
Was kept and preserved for us by her and her sisters
Who kept? Who treasured?
She who was the preserver of the Macedonian language.