
Defense of the dissertation of Tlepbergen Dinara for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the educational program «8D02310 - Foreign Philology»
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a dissertation defense for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Tlepbergen Dinara on the topic «Strategic models of language policy and planning in the context of modern integrative processes» to the educational program «8D02310 - Foreign Philology».
The dissertation was carried out at the «Foreign Philology education department» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
The language of defense is kazakh
Official reviewers:
Juldyz Sagidollaevna Smagulova - PhD, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education, KIMEP University NJSC (Almaty, Kazakhstan);
Samal Zhanatovna Yergaliyeva - PhD, Professor, Toraighyrov University NJSC (Pavlodar, Kazakhstan).
Temporary members of the Dissertation Committee:
Rishat Zhurkenovich Saurbayev - candidate of Philological Sciences, Professor of the Department of Foreign Philology, Toraighyrov University NJSC (Pavlodar, Kazakhstan);
Liliya Amiryanovna Nefedova - Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Linguistics and Translation, FSBEI HE Chelyabinsk State University (Chelyabinsk, Russia);
Akylbek Kairatbekovich Meyrbekov - PhD, Associate Professor, "Science Service LTD" LLP (Turkestan, Kazakhstan).
Scientific advisors:
Assel Sheralievna Akzhigitova - PhD, Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Foreign Philology, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Astana, Kazakhstan);
Anastassia Nikolaevna Zabrodskaja - PhD, Professor of Intercultural Communication at the Baltic School of Film, Media, and Arts, Tallinn University (Tallinn, Estonia).
The defense will take place on March 01, 2025 at 10.00 a.m. in the Dissertation Council in the direction of «8D02310 - Foreign Philology» according to the educational program: 8D02310 - «Foreign Philology» of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Conducting a meeting of the dissertation council in a mixed (offline and online) format.
Link: http://surl.li/uzmzfu
Address: Astana, K. Satpayev str. 2, Main building, room № 302.
Abstract (English): In the era of globalization and integration, language policy and planning hold particular significance, as language serves not only as a means of communication but also as a foundation for national identity, cultural heritage, and societal unity. In multinational Kazakhstan, the relevance of this issue is especially pronounced, necessitating the development of an effective language policy and strategic approaches to language planning. This research focuses on developing a strategic model for Kazakhstan’s language policy and outlining practical pathways for its successful implementation. Integrative processes, globalization, and the growing prevalence of multilingualism in society demand new approaches to managing linguistic diversity. These factors underscore the need for strategies that ensure social harmony and the integration of all linguistic groups. Examining various models of language policy enables the identification of best practices and their adaptation to national contexts, thereby strengthening cultural identity and linguistic balance. Consequently, the study of language policy strategies becomes a key step toward the sustainable development of multilingual states. The goal of the research is a comprehensive analysis of language policy and planning in the Republic of Kazakhstan under current integrative processes. The objectives include: - Identifying the constitutive features of language policy and planning as an object of sociological research; - Systematizing the development experience of post-Soviet countries' language policies and conducting a comparative analysis of de jure and de facto language policies in Kazakhstan and Estonia; - Determining the characteristics of the current linguistic situation in Kazakhstan and conducting a sociolinguistic survey to identify linguistic attitudes and practices; - Assessing the influence of the English language in promoting the state language in everyday practice within the context of Kazakhstan’s language policy development; - Defining the scope of language use and choice in the media space; - Developing a strategic model for the development of Kazakhstan's language policy and planning based on the obtained scientific data. The research object is the specific features of implementing language policy and planning. The subject is the main mechanisms and directions forming the strategic model of Kazakhstan's language policy under current integrative processes. The theoretical and methodological foundation consists of scientific works by leading foreign and Kazakhstani specialists in the field of language policy and planning (e.g., E. Haugen, R. Cooper, J. Fishman, R. Kaplan, B. Jernudd, B. Spolsky, G. Lewis, M. Nahir, J. Neustupny, D. Laitin, E. Shohamy, N. Hornberger, F. Grin, R. Baldauf, S. Wright, N. Ostler, J. Tollefson, J. Sallabank, А. Zabrodskaja; Y.D. Desheriev, A.D. Schweitzer, V.P. Neroznak, M.I. Isaev, V.M. Alpatov, V.I. Belikov, V.N. Belousov, N.B. Mechkovskaya; B.K. Khasanuly, A.E. Karlinsky, Z.K. Akhmetzhanova, E.D. Suleimenova, N.Zh. Shaimerdenova, Sh.K. Zharkynbekova, O.B. Altynbekova, D.D. Shaibakova, A.E. Agmanova, D.Kh. Akanova, Zh.S. Smagulova, A.Sh. Akzhigitova). The empirical basis includes normative-legal documents on language policy and planning and the results of a two-stage sociolinguistic survey. The first stage involved a survey in Kazakhstan (478 respondents) and Estonia (369 respondents) to gather data on the implementation of de jure and de facto language policies. The second stage included a survey covering all regions of Kazakhstan (1000 respondents) concerning language choice and the roles of state and English languages in society. The research methods include general scientific approaches (data collection, systematization, analysis, synthesis, and comparison), specific methods (case study, content analysis), and interdisciplinary approaches (sociolinguistic studies, statistical methods, and modeling). These methods ensured the scientific validity, accuracy, and reliability of the obtained results. The case study method enabled a comprehensive examination of the language policy experiences of various countries, systematically analyzing the successes and challenges of language reforms, and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges related to managing linguistic diversity and socio-cultural integration. Within the sociolinguistic research framework, the survey method was applied using the online platform Survey Monkey. Data processing and analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 27, where Chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and summary statistics were performed. For data visualization, the software tools Power BI and Python were used. The scientific novelty lies in developing a new strategic model for improving language policy and planning in Kazakhstan. Comparative analysis of post-Soviet countries' language policies identified effective aspects of Kazakhstan and Estonia's language policies. Sociolinguistic research provided new data on the current linguistic situation in Kazakhstan, language choice features in various communication contexts, and the importance and attitudes towards Kazakh, Russian, and English languages. The study also explored the significance and role of Kazakh-English bilingualism and the integration of national languages into the digital environment. The theoretical significance lies in deep analysis of key directions and methodological approaches in language policy and planning. Theoretical foundations and conclusions of this study can serve as a basis for further research and development in language policy and planning. The practical value includes specific mechanisms and directions based on the developed strategic language policy model, offering precise regulation and effective implementation of language policy in Kazakhstan. The hypothesis of this dissertation research is that the potential correlation between language policy and the modernization and promotion of the state language, as well as the enhancement of its social prestige, is driven by integrative language trends. The main mechanisms and strategies of image policy, modeled in this context, reveal new opportunities for the language as a transmitter of image policy and a strategic indicator of territorial integrity and uniqueness. Main conclusions proposed for defense: 1. The effectiveness and sustainability of language policy are ensured by developing language planning and management strategies that are adapted to the unique conditions and needs of each country. The experience of post-Soviet states shows that a purposeful policy aimed at preserving and developing national languages is an integral part of cultural and social progress. Despite the limitations of the Soviet period, the national languages of Kazakhstan and Estonia, after gaining independence, have achieved significant successes and have taken an important place in various areas of life. This experience confirms that the successful implementation of language policy contributes to strengthening national identity and expanding the scope of language use in all areas of public life. 2. The analysis of proficiency in Kazakh, Russian, and English, language choice in various communicative situations, as well as the importance and prospects of language development, confirmed the significance of multilingualism. The study results show that multilingualism is in demand in Kazakh society and plays a significant role in the social and economic life of the population. 3. Kazakhstan’s aspiration to integrate into the global economy and scientific community is accompanied by the development of Kazakh-English bilingualism. English has gained significant importance as a tool for intercultural communication, access to modern knowledge and technologies, as well as a factor for career growth. The transition to the Latin script facilitates the integration of the state language into the international information space. The use of new technologies and artificial intelligence in Kazakh contributes to consolidating the language in the digital environment and enhancing its prestige. Thus, Kazakh-English bilingualism, the shift to the Latin alphabet, and digitalization are strategic steps in the modernization and development of Kazakhstan's language policy. 4. The rapidly developing media space in Kazakhstan serves as an effective platform for promoting languages. The production and provision of high-quality content in the state language contribute to enhancing its prestige and modernization according to the demands of the time. English, as a symbol of social prestige, simultaneously becomes an important tool for promoting the national language. The "bottom-up" approach, which involves initiatives from language activists and society, unites efforts for the widespread use of Kazakh and English in the media. This increases public interest and support for languages, strengthens the development of the state language, and amplifies its role. 5. Based on the obtained scientific data, a strategic model for the development of Kazakhstan's language policy has been developed, encompassing five key mechanisms: legislative regulation, educational initiatives, language popularization, digital development, and international experience. A special place in this model is occupied by the role of the English language, which, due to its prominent visibility and symbolic significance as a marker of social status, contributes to strengthening the prestige of the Kazakh language in society. The combination of English and Kazakh promotes the natural development of the sociolinguistic functions of the state language, ensuring its integration into contemporary social processes. Approbation of the study: The materials and key findings of this dissertation were presented and tested at several international scientific and practical events, including the seminar "Results and Challenges in the Formation and Implementation of a Multilingual Educational Environment in Kazakhstan and Worldwide" (Astana, 2022), the conference "Modern Linguodidactics and the Development of Trilingual Education" (Astana, 2022), the conference "Central Asia Language and Education" (Almaty, 2023), the International Association of World Englishes (IAWE) conference (New York, 2023), and the AILA 2024 World Congress on "Linguistic Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability" (Kuala Lumpur, 2024). At these events, the findings were shared in the form of scientific reports and presentations. Based on the materials of the dissertation, 9 works have been published. The works published in journals indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus international scientific databases: 1. Language-in-Education Policy of Kazakhstan: Post-Pandemic Technology Enhances Language Learning // Education Science, Vol 12, Iss 5, 2022, pp. 311-323 https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12050311 (81%, Q1) 2. Bottom-Up Approach to Language Policy and Planning in Kazakhstan // Societies, Vol 13, Iss 2, 2023, pp. 43-58 https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13020043 (71 %, Q2) 3. Exploring the language policy and planning: a comparative analysis of language practice in Kazakhstan and Estonia // Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, Vol 45, Iss 4, 2024 https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2024.2305642 (96%, Q1) Works published in the publications recommended by the Quality Assurance Committee in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan: 1. The Theoretical Foundations and Current Trends in Language Policy Research // Bulletin of Torayghyrov University. - Philology Series No. 2, 2022, pp. 252-263. 2. Issues of Prestige Planning in Kazakhstan // Bulletin of Karaganda University. - Philology Series. No. 1, 2023. pp. 54-64. 3. Language Planning in the Process of Linguistic Landscape Transformation // Bulletin of Torayghyrov University. - Philological Series No. 4, 2023. pp. 80-91. 4. Hybrid Names of Commercial Organizations in the Linguistic Landscape // Bulletin of Sh. Ualikhanov University - Philological Series No. 3, 2024. pp. 33-42. Works published in the proceedings of international scientific-practical conferences: 1. The Role of Translanguaging in Multilingual Education // Results and Issues of Forming and Implementing a Multilingual Education Environment in Kazakhstan and the World: International Scientific-Practical Seminar, Nur-Sultan, 2022, pp.138-143. 2. The Role of Multicultural Education in Kazakhstan // Modern Linguodidactics and the Development of Trilingual Education: International Scientific-Practical Conference, Nur-Sultan, 2022.
