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!

The People Behind Interlink - Ember

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

As an intern for Interlink in 2008 my job is to serve in whatever capacity is most needed. Right now I work primarily for the Kids Connection program, visiting orphanages regularly, helping to celebrate birthdays each month, and doing the behind the scenes work it takes to make this possible. When able, I also help out with the Youth Impact program for orphanage graduates by building relationships and assisting with curriculum updates. At the office the artsy projects (photography or design) are happily finding their way to my desk keeping my to-do list full and exciting.

However, the focus of my first 3-6 months is culture and language learning. I have Kazakh lessons twice a week with a local Kazakh teacher whose standards are high, but methods are perfect for me. I also have the privilege of living with a Kazakh family. The family works on my lessons with me and provides an opportunity to practice. Outside of my lessons and home, I work to understand the life here. This may be as simple as figuring out and making the bus commute, shopping at the bazaar, enjoying a family party, playing games, or interacting with the office staff.

As I become more language competent and culturally aware I will be able to serve the team in greater capacity, which will be a help as delegation season arrives!