Is
learning Kazakh really a challenge?
 |
| Retrieved from: http://unravellingmag.com/articles/langprofile-kazakh/ |
Kazakh is the state language of the Republic of
Kazakhstan. However, today the issue in its implementation and development and
raising its status has not been fully resolved. This is most likely an issue of
time that needs to be tackled by every single individual.
From the first years of newly independent country the
issue of language challenged the government of the country. The study of the Kazakh
language has even become an international issue. Some experts from USA and
Russia identify a number of issues that prevents development of Kazakh language,
and among them the main is the lack of a clear and effective language policy. Kazakhstani
linguist Zhanna Umatova agrees that in the country there should be the strong
language policy. She considers that the policy during the Soviet period was
much more effective and efficient. “In the Soviet Union there was a tough
language policy and there was an ideology. The population within the shortest
period had to absorb the Russian language. You could not get a job without
knowing the Russian; and you could not go to university because the programs were
taught only in Russian,” says the linguist. (Kaliaskarova, 2012, p. 1).
While some research has focused only on the
description of problem, other work has sought to show how to solve and find
possible solution of this problem. Russian linguist Dmitry Petrov, who has developed
a special Kazakh language learning program, believes that intrinsic motivation
is an important component of language learning, and convinces that none of the
special teaching approaches could be beneficial for language development if
there is no motivation (Kaliaskarova, 2012). Another research, which was based
on public opinion, and presented by MediaNet in
2012, reveals that the majority of Kazakhstani people suggested launching free
language development centers around the country, which will help to promote development
and expanding the Kazakh language. Here, I would also like to emphasize the
opinions and recommendations of two non-Kazakh speakers on how to foster
language learning opportunities for people residing in Kazakhstan. These two respondents
are proud Kazakh speakers, who were able to master the Kazakh language, despite
they belong to other ethnic groups (Anna Danchenko and
Chris Trickett).
At present time across the country there
are more than 130 Kazakh language learning centers, approximately 60 of which
are public centers that provide training free of charge. The government encourages
each citizen to learn the Kazakh language and devotes considerable funding for
learning it. However, the expansion of the state language usage as one of the country’s
priorities for further development remains slow. Language of wider communication
on the street is still in Russian. The government could not achieve its goal
until each citizen respects and values the state language.
Reference
Kaliaskarova, T. (2012, July, 9). Five problems of studying Kazakh language. Retrieved from:
http://www.centrasia.ru/newsA.php?st=1341816180
Most respondents offer to launch free courses of
Kazakh language. (2012,
November, 19).
Retrieved from: http://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/bolshinstvo-oproshennyih-
kazahstantsev-predlagayut-otkryit-223703/
I would agree that the policy about Kazakh language should be stricter. This will increase the demand of the population to learn Kazakh language. The demand will probably improve the quality of teaching and the resources.
ReplyDeleteWe are a multi-national country with more than 130 ethnicities living in such a huge territory. It is impossible to teach Kazakh to everyone in our country. The first thing that we have to do is to educate Kazakh people. You mentioned the necessity of motivation. The only motivation that people even Kazakh native speakers have is extrinsic motivation such as pursuing a better job or the environment they live in, however, from my opinion, the intrinsic motivation is more important than anything else. People do not value Kazakh because despite career they will not use it almost at all: there is no much quality books to read, to watch movies with very good dubbing. I mean what for people have to learn Kazakh? Learn only to be proud that you know Kazakh? Of course no. Kazakhstani government has to listen to the populace and make strategic decisions.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nazgul for this challenging blog! It is true that in our country the issue of Kazakh language learning is a relevant topic since we gained independence. I will agree that under the Soviet regime the language policy was significantly strong: the need to know Russian was not questionable. I think the high competent specialist in governmental policy, culture, linguistics, education, journalism and other professions should analyse thoroughly and come to the main decision on how to make Kazakh language widespread around the country. It is a big issue and big solution should be found. All the issues connected to Kazakh language should be wisely and effectively solved, so that language-learning environment will be created: the requirement of knowing Kazakh language, books and resources to learn it and wise Kazakh language policy.
ReplyDeleteGood job, Nazgul! This is the first time I am reading blogs since the beginning of this semester and find it interesting to see many posts devoted to the Kazakh language issue. Indeed, it is a hot topic to discuss: non-kazakh speakers as always find some reasons for not knowing the language and kazakh speakers suggest some ways for solving this problem. I agree with you on the point that each citizen should respect and value the state language, but unfortunately this is not our case. The main reason is that officials and authorities in our country prefer Russian rather than Kazakh and serve for thousands of people as an example. Many may claim that Kazakhstan is multinational country, but wait, is it the only country sheltering different nations? Not, of course. Ostensibly, Kaliaskarova is a professional linguist and, in my opinion, she underlines the most crucial reason which is the lack of ideology.
ReplyDelete