Unlock the Secrets of a Language That Unites! Discover how a groundbreaking initiative is transforming cultural identity and fostering unity through the power of language. Join the moveme...
The initiative, implemented by the public association "Rukh. Til. Zhanǵyru" in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Language Development, and Archives, with the support of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK), covered all districts of the region.
During the meetings, the role of the state language in strengthening unity and national identity was actively discussed. Participants shared examples from their personal experiences of learning the language. Among them was Maria Tatarenko, the chairwoman of the North Kazakhstan Belarusian Cultural Center "Radzima," who emphasized that the Kazakh language provides access to a rich cultural heritage, serving as a bridge between generations and ethnicities.
– Every new word learned, every new phrase mastered opens up not just a new language, but also a world of values, traditions, and wisdom accumulated over centuries. The Kazakh language is a bridge between generations that unites people of different nationalities in a spirit of respect and friendship, – she stated.
Particular attention was given by the participants at the APK meeting in the North Kazakhstan region to practical opportunities: free courses, interactive applications, and teaching methodologies. Salimkhan Sabitov, an activist from the Kazakh Cultural and Educational Center Urpaq, noted that all conditions for learning the state language have been created in the region, and that lessons in a game format make the learning process accessible and engaging.
The head of the Language Development Department of the Culture Management of North Kazakhstan Region, Asem Suleimenova, delivered a report highlighting the importance of state support and the development of ethnocultural initiatives for the promotion of the state language.
– Your opinion matters. Let’s work together to develop the state language and culture in our region, – she urged the participants of the meeting.
The project has become an important step towards forming a common cultural space where knowledge of the language symbolizes respect and friendship. Regional branches of the APK are conducting a series of events, including festivals, competitions, and educational programs aimed at developing language policy.
– For instance, in September, a Folklore Week was held at the "Aigolek" kindergarten, during which activists from ethnocultural associations introduced children to the fairy tales of different ethnic groups, – shared Bolat Bazarbayev, acting head of "Qogamdyq kelisim."
Under the initiative of the APK of North Kazakhstan, performances by the regional puppet theater were organized in kindergartens. For the first time in Petropavlovsk, a regional vocal competition "Eki zhuldiz" was held, where participants showcased performances in various languages.
Annual festivals "Salt-dastur" and "Onerimiz saghan, Kazakhstan," an open dictation, and games like "What? Where? When?" "Field of Wonders," and "Language Master" are conducted. Language courses in Kazakh and English are organized at the House of Friendship. At School No. 17, one can also learn Kazakh, Ukrainian, German, Polish, Azerbaijani, Armenian, Belarusian, Tatar, Chechen, and Korean languages.
In this regard, Chingiz Kurbanov, chairman of the North Kazakhstan Azerbaijani Cultural Center, notes:
– Learning the Kazakh language today is not a quick process, but every step forward can already be called a small victory.
Notably, in his speeches, Chingiz Kurbanov addresses his fellow countrymen in three languages: Kazakh, Russian, and Azerbaijani.
The project "Til kerueni-2024" demonstrates the significance of the state language as a tool for national unity. Each year, the number of people consciously learning the Kazakh language increases. The representatives of the APK of North Kazakhstan set an example by actively participating in the learning process.
It is also important to note the successes of participants in the competition of performances in the state language, staged by children and their parents. The competition took place at the specialized Kazakh school-gymnasium named after Abai, with representatives of different nationalities from 25 schools in Petropavlovsk participating, totaling over 200 people. Competitors demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the state language. They not only acted in performances but also showcased their talents in singing and choreography. The jury evaluated performances based on criteria such as character creation, stage presence, and promotion of the state language.
The eight-month academic year has also concluded for the leaders and personnel of the departments of the DP of North Kazakhstan studying the state language. The acting deputy head of the department, Police Colonel Abylgazy Gabdullin, solemnly presented certificates of course completion to those employees who confirmed their level of proficiency in the Kazakh language. Similar educational processes have been organized in the city administration and regional police departments of North Kazakhstan.