NATIONAL DICTATION — A MECHANISM FOR ELEVATING THE STATUS OF THE LANGUAGE

The nationwide project “National Dictation” continues at Abai University. The event, which began on November 4, has brought together faculty deans, professors, lecturers, master’s students, and undergraduates who actively participated to test their language proficiency.

The dictation is being held across all faculties and structural divisions of the university. The Head of the Administration, Zhanatbek Ishpekbayev, was appointed responsible for the administrative and management staff, while the deans coordinate the organization within their faculties. Special instruction leaflets were prepared for participants, lists were finalized, equipment was checked, and technical support was ensured.

The dictation texts were selected from the works of prominent figures in Kazakh literature and classical national writings. Participants fluent in Kazakh were offered the text “Oku jaiy” (“Place of Study”), while those learning Kazakh as a second language wrote the text “Otan” (“Motherland”).

The works are evaluated with the participation of language specialists. Based on the number of mistakes, participants’ language proficiency levels are determined as follows:

• 1–3 mistakes — high literacy,
• 4–7 mistakes — established language skills,
• 7–12 mistakes — requires consistent practice,
• 13 or more mistakes — additional work with linguists is recommended.

The launch of the “National Dictation” project, aimed at developing the Kazakh language and improving literacy, is a very important and valuable initiative. In recent years, linguists have increasingly noted the growing use of informal styles in young people’s writing. For example, expressions such as “nestep” (what are you doing), “nistevatyrsyń” (what are you doing), “norm”, “tsumbyatrm” (I don’t understand), “bugim?” (who is this?), “kelatyr” (coming) and similar colloquial forms are widely used in everyday communication. This trend inevitably affects the natural norms of the Kazakh language.

Therefore, reviving the tradition of writing dictations is an important step toward preserving and developing national linguistic culture. Overall, the “National Dictation” stands out as a significant cultural and educational initiative aimed at enhancing the prestige of the Kazakh language and promoting literacy culture in society.

The “National Dictation” project will continue until November 13. It is being carried out at the initiative of Rauan Kenzhekhanuly, Chairman of the International “Kazakh Language” Society, and Bolat Anapiyauly, Chairman of the Almaty City Branch of the same organization. It is also worth noting the contribution of the university’s faculty members — Roza Bakbergenova, Zeinep Osmanova, Zharkynai Kokanova, and others.

Abai University

Press Service