Kazakh 101

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

Learning Kazakh is interesting, to say the least. I think I’m picking it up pretty quickly, but my pronunciation…jaman (bad)! One unusual sounding vowel I can handle, but put two or even three together and I’m lost. Thankfully my teacher is incredibly patient as are all the other Kazakhs that I have met, willing to repeat the same word over and over.

Here are some words to get you started.

Toke taringsha: Please stop (the bus)!!
Kay shurnz: Excuse me
Myen toosoon bemum: I don’t understand!
Kansha: How much?
Yay ka juz: 200 (usually the price of a taxi around town)
Joulk oolyeanan: Not married (a common question)

People also speak Russian here, but in the 17 years Nazarbayev has been president, the country has been slowly moving away from the Russian language and influence. The language of education and business was formerly Russian, but schools are now required to teach Kazakh and business documents should all be in Kazakh. Change is coming slowly, but it is coming.

If you want to learn more Kazakh, check out this website for a free download. If you want to hear more stories of my adaptation to Kazakhstan, check out my blog.

But adapting to Kazakhstan isn’t only about learning the language. It’s about learning the people. It’s understanding that Kazakh’s will say no two or three times before accepting. That means that the first time something is offered, you may not be expected to accept it! Culture is learning that women don’t carry anything, that bus seats are given to older women or mothers with children. It’s understanding that privacy is strange and being with family (even if just watching tv) is vital and expected. I’ve barely touched the surface of all there is to learn!