Exploring sociolinguistic attitudes among multilingual youth in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Relevance. This study explores the complex interplay between the Kazakh and Russian languages in Kazakhstan, examining how these languages coexist and interchange at individual and societal levels due to their paradigmatic, vertical linguistic relationships stored in native speakers' consciousness. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to conduct a sociolinguistic investigation into the sociolinguistic attitudes of Kazakhstani youth in a multilingual environment. Methodology. The research employed a sociological survey using a closed-ended questionnaire for data collection, which was then analyzed and modeled. The study was based on a comprehensive sociolinguistic survey of 96 students aged 17- 20 from the Kazakh departments of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. For the first time, a comparative analysis of language attitudes among Kazakh youth was conducted. Results. The findings reveal the nature of their sociolinguistic attitudes at micro and macro-social levels. The analysis shows that the Russian language exerts significant influence on language loyalty and attitudes. Within the context of Kazakh-Russian bilingualism, Kazakh youth tend to symbolize their native language, indicating a transformation in their linguistic consciousness driven by socio-global mechanisms. While Russian serves a functional and instrumental role, the native Kazakh language holds communicative and personal significance for them. Conclusions. The practical application of this research is to contribute towards promoting linguistic purity, raising linguistic consciousness, and strengthening the social significance of the Kazakh language among the nation’s youth.