A bridge for interethnic communication.

The "Үйде сөйле" clubs operate throughout the country. In Almaty, the organization of the courses has been taken on by Anastasia Myaskina. This project of the Assembly of Youth has resonated with the community. Its goal is to make the Kazakh language a bridge for interethnic communication, as the old proverb of our people states – "тіл көпір сияқты" (the language is like a bridge). However, the main task is to unite people based on the principle of good neighborliness.

The teaching methodology in this club is distinctive because instructor Laihat Baymyrza focuses on conversational language. The lesson I attended was dedicated to the topic "Қонақ күтү" (welcoming guests). The session began with a review of previous lessons, followed by questions posed by the instructor to the students. This way, a dialogue was established, accompanied by the recording of new words and expressions.

The experienced educator unfolds the topic as if unraveling a ball of yarn. I realized that such dialogue is quite engaging. The lesson proves beneficial for both beginners and those with an intermediate knowledge of Kazakh. Laihat Baymyrza infuses different meanings into the new topic, exploring it from both practical and philosophical perspectives. All of this is conveyed through the lens of love for the homeland.

– I always strive to conduct lessons that tie back to the traditions of the Kazakh people. In general, land, traditions, and language are the main concepts around which each session is built, – explains Laihat Baymyrza.

It is worth noting that the opening of the conversational club "Үйде сөйле" in the Medeu district became possible thanks to the financial support from Elena Smirnova, the CEO of "Leovit," who appreciated the idea of Alexandra Myaskina's project. This club has been operating since June of this year. First, Elena posted announcements and invited residents of nearby homes to free Kazakh language courses. Now, twice a week, interested individuals gather in a bright, warm, and cozy office.

– I have long dreamed of speaking Kazakh fluently. I really like our teacher, Laihat-apa, and I also study remotely on an individual basis. I would be glad to see as many people here as possible, – says Elena.

According to Alexandra Myaskina, the project continues to thrive and attracts business representatives who can provide real assistance.

– It is very symbolic that the head of a large company supported our project. This is a patriotic producer who also demonstrates an active civic stance. I am grateful to Elena for ensuring that our teachers now receive salaries. We have been provided with a comfortable space, and people have the opportunity to learn in pleasant conditions. The essence of the "Үйде сөйле" project remains intact, as residents of nearby homes can learn Kazakh for free. This is a symbiosis of business and civic initiative that yields real results, – noted Alexandra Myaskina.

...One of the most active students in the lesson was Dmitry Belyanin. He began to develop an interest in the Kazakh language and literature starting in the early 2000s. He studied at the International School of Almaty, where hardly anyone spoke Kazakh. Among his peers at KIMEP, there were also few Kazakh-speaking students, making it difficult to develop good pronunciation. However, throughout these years, he never gave up on his youthful dream – to create some kind of project on the Internet. Since 2015, he has been posting videos on YouTube where he reads poetry and prose in the Kazakh language.

– I hope that over time I will be able to do this fluently. But right now, it’s important for me to draw attention to the Kazakh language, which I do by creating my content. I don’t claim to be doing something grandiose, but it is still a form of language promotion. In the courses, we significantly expand our vocabulary, and the instructor explains the origins of words, linking their meanings to expressions and proverbs, broadening our horizons of understanding, – he shares his thoughts.

Knowing that most people today are on social media, he posts short videos in Kazakh, hoping that it will motivate someone to learn the language.

According to Uliana Tsarenkova, a 9th-grade student at school No. 29, she started attending the courses because her school knowledge was insufficient.

– At school, there is always a strict attitude towards pronunciation and speech errors, but here no one corrects you harshly; they just help you fix your mistakes. The atmosphere is very friendly, and I enjoy coming here. My interest has grown, and I can already understand what is being discussed. I try to listen to the radio, music in Kazakh, and watch movies, and I understand a lot now, which is great! – she says.