PROJECT PROMOTING THE STATUS OF THE STATE LANGUAGE REACHED ITS GOAL

Previously, we reported that the traditional “National Dictation” project was held at Abai University from November 4 to 12. This large-scale event, organized at the initiative of the International “Kazakh Language” Society and with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has successfully concluded. Participants in the dictation project included university staff at all levels, from administrative management to students.

In recent years, the tradition of writing dictations in secondary schools has been declining. Experts note that “as a result, many students focus on preparing for tests, leading to decreased literacy, more spelling mistakes, and a decline in language culture.” This also negatively affects students’ interest in reading and the overall level of language proficiency.

This year’s “National Dictation” was unique not only in the university but also across the country and among the Kazakh diaspora abroad in an online format. The main goal of the project is to expand the use of the state language, improve citizens’ writing skills, enhance the linguistic culture of young people, and increase interest in the Kazakh language.

Participants registered through the website “til.kz” and completed the tasks online. The project was implemented at the initiative of Rauan Kenzhekhanuly, chairman of the International “Kazakh Language” Society, and Bolat Anapiyauly, chairman of the Almaty city branch, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was led by the Head of the Administration, Zhanatbek Ishpekbayev, and faculty deans, while the dictation was conducted by senior lecturers of the Department of Kazakh Language Theory and Teaching Methodology – Roza Bakbergenova, Zharkynay Kokanova, Zeynep Osmanova, Ulan Taizhanov, Karim Baykutov, and Sanakzhan Samarkhan.

The dictation actively involved professors, graduate students, and students from the Faculties of Pedagogy and Psychology, Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Philology, Natural-Geography, World Languages, Physical Education and Initial Military Training, Arts, Foundation, Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute, and History and Law. Participants’ literacy was assessed as follows: 1–3 mistakes – high level; 4–7 mistakes – established language skills; 7–12 mistakes – regular practice recommended; 13 or more mistakes – additional work with language specialists.

Based on the results, participants will receive special certificates and letters of appreciation. In addition, all participants will receive an electronic thank-you letter and a free subscription to the KITAP app. According to the organizers, in recent years, the frequent use of an oral style in writing among young people has significantly influenced the natural norms of the Kazakh language. Therefore, reviving the tradition of writing dictations is an important step in preserving and developing the national language culture.

Press Service

Abai KazNPU