Kazakhstan's leader defends bilingual Constitution amid language debates
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has addressed ongoing debates about language use in the country. His remarks came as the new Constitution was published in both Kazakh and Russian, each version carrying equal legal weight. The draft confirms Kazakh as the official state language, but Tokayev also highlighted growing interest in the language, particularly among younger generations.
The newly proposed Constitution reaffirms Kazakh as the state language of Kazakhstan. Despite this, the document was released in two languages, ensuring Russian retains equal legal status. Tokayev responded directly to critics who have questioned the balance between the two languages, dismissing claims that the new laws would marginalise Russian speakers.
In his comments, the president pointed to a noticeable shift in attitudes among young people. He noted that Kazakh has become increasingly fashionable, with more youth embracing it in daily life. This trend extends beyond casual conversation, as the language gains ground in public and political discussions. While no detailed studies track Kazakh's growth in media or public communication over the past five years, Tokayev's observations align with broader reports. Many young Kazakhs now fluently speak both Kazakh and Russian, reflecting a generation comfortable with multilingualism.
The Constitution's publication in two languages underscores Kazakhstan's bilingual approach. Tokayev's statements suggest the Kazakh language is expanding its influence, particularly with younger citizens. The government's position aims to maintain harmony while reinforcing Kazakh as the country's primary official language.
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