Preserving Linguistic Purity: The Challenges of Kazakh in a Multilingual World

The impact of Russian on the Kazakh language is a topic of considerable interest in Kazakhstan. This interview with Dmitry Romashchenko, a language expert, sheds light on the challenges of preserving linguistic purity in a multilingual society. Romashchenko illustrates how Russian loanwords frequently appear in everyday speech, even among those striving for accurate Kazakh. "We often unconsciously use Russian calques," he notes, providing examples like using the Russian-influenced phrase for buying milk instead of the pure Kazakh equivalent. The video highlights the ongoing efforts to promote Kazakh and the complexities of linguistic assimilation. Romashchenko's dedication to accurate Kazakh demonstrates the passion many feel for their language. His insights offer a valuable perspective on the ongoing linguistic evolution in Kazakhstan.