Ethno-Linguistic Identity of Kazakhstani Student Youth in Modern Multinational Context of Kazakhstan (Sociolinguistic Analysis of Empirical Research)

Abstract

This study explores the transformation of the ethno-linguistic identity of Kazakhstani student youth within the multilingual context of Kazakhstan, considering the impact of the country’s language policies. Our research analyzes language choices, focusing on the knowledge and factors influencing parents and Kazakhstani youth when making decisions about children’s language education, as well as the strategies they adopt for language use. The empirical basis of this study is a sociolinguistic survey conducted among 823 Kazakhstani university students aged 18 to 30 from various regions of the country in 2023. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, which were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The findings were supplemented by the results of the most recent national census. This comparative analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state and emerging trends in the ethno-linguistic identity of Kazakhstani youth and the broader linguistic landscape of the country. The results indicate that large-scale state initiatives aimed at reinforcing the status of the Kazakh language have had a positive impact on its recognition. However, the data also reveal persistent fluctuations in ethno-linguistic identity, which can be attributed to various extralinguistic factors. This study highlights the role of both educational and family language policies as key drivers in shaping ethno-linguistic identity.