Discover the language through the history of your homeland.

– We are holding this competition for the second time. We have taken into account previous experiences and made some updates to the conditions. Just like last year, we are also interested in the development and expansion of the use of the state language among the youth. Through the promotion of the creativity of Kazakh poets and writers, we aim to increase interest in the Kazakh language and literature, and to help shape the Kazakhstani identity and unity, – says Amanheldy Koyanbaev, head of the regional department for language development.

One of the innovations specifically affected the first stage called “Let’s Get Acquainted!”. Those wishing to showcase themselves were asked to prepare a half-minute TikTok video with a creative self-presentation. During the second stage, the stage of the city House of Culture featured poems and songs by Aktobe authors – Bakir Tajibaev, Sagi Zhienbaev, Gulimai Abishkyzy, Gulkhanar Kaldina, and others. In the final, participants were to demonstrate their erudition. First, they needed to identify the work and its author based on a read excerpt, and then, within a minute, guess the name of a monument or natural object located in the region based on a photograph. Among these were the Abat Baitak mausoleum in the Khobdinsky district, the preserved trading rows of the Kokzhar fair from the times of the Great Silk Road in the Uil district, the Wolf Waterfall in the Kargalinsky district, the geomorphological section of Aidarly Asha in the Khamartausky district, and sacred sites.

– At each stage, we evaluated the correctness of pronunciation and the expressiveness of artistic recitation from memory. We monitored the accuracy and completeness of the answers to the questions asked. Many participants left an impression on us, but overall, contenders for victory should prepare for the competition more thoroughly, – noted Indira Otemis, a correspondent for the regional newspaper "Aktobe".

Along with the journalist, the jury included Gulzhaina Bisenalieva, head of the city Department of Culture and Language Development, Almas Suleiman, director of the Academy of Creativity, poet and zhyryshi Kainar Alagozov, and Samgat Artygalin, head of the regional youth resource center. They evaluated the participants' performances on a five-point scale.

As a result, the Grand Prix of the competition was awarded to Natalia Davydova, a student of the "Dunie" college. The jury particularly highlighted her heartfelt recitation of the poem "Sary Kyz" by Gulimai Abishkyzy.

– I really enjoyed this competition, where we had the opportunity to showcase ourselves in the best light. The Kazakh language has been my native language since birth, as my mother is Kazakh and my father is Mari. In our family, we mainly communicate in Kazakh. During my school years, I constantly participated in similar competitions, but this was the first time I demonstrated my knowledge at such a significant level, so I was a bit nervous. I performed with enthusiasm, eager to test myself and win, – shares the future primary school teacher.

The first place was awarded to Tamila Kovalchuk, a student of the Aktobe Higher Humanitarian College. The second place was shared by Kirill Yurchenko and Anastasia Davydova from the Aktobe Higher Humanitarian College.

The third place went to Darina Bulatova from the "Dunie" college and Anna Sidorova from the Aktobe Higher Humanitarian College. Encouragement prizes were awarded to Dina Mager, a student at the West Kazakhstan Medical University named after M. Ospanov, and Alexandra Shitt, a student at the Aktobe Construction and Installation College.