LANGUAGE CHOICE AND LANGUAGE IDEOLOGIES AMONG KAZAKHSTANI STUDENTS: THE STATUS OF KAZAKH IN THE CONTEXT OF MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION

Abstract

Multilingual setting development is sharply increasing in the Kazakhstani context since the English language has gained an international position and enjoys high prestige throughout the world in multilingual education programs nowadays. This research aims to explore Kazakhstani students’ ideologies about Kazakh and their choice favoring the language in comparison to Russian and English; to identify if there is negligence to the importance of the Kazakh language affected by an active promotion of multilingualism and integration of English language into education system. The research questions are the following: 1) What are Kazakhstani students’ ideologies regarding Kazakh language? A) How do students perceive the role of the Kazakh language in the context of multilingual education? 2) How frequently do Kazakhstani students choose to speak Kazakh language? A) Is their choice associated with the language environment of their university? The data for this mixed-method study was obtained through surveying graduate students from two institutions which practice multilingual education (n = 144), as well as through semi-structured interviews with 11 students. Students’ ideologies about Kazakh are positive in terms of its symbolic value and national importance; however, there is a strong belief that Kazakh significantly lacks when juxtaposed with Russian and English in its adaptability to modern day situations, unpracticality, insufficient quality materials, economic benefits, information delay, and irrelevancy on a global level. As for choices given to Kazakh in different situations, it enjoys occasional use only at home settings, but it is given less preference in other spheres of life; yet Welch T-test showed statistical significance when analyzing two institutions and revealed a strong impact of the language environment of universities. These findings indicate the need for proper implementation of multilingual education and encouragement to learn and speak Kazakh among students as regards economic benefits, as well as a need for developing science materials, timely translation, and overall shape of Kazakh to make it more appealing and functional for the younger generation in the country.