Learn all other languages, but respect your own

At Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the lecturers of the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Philology, organized an international educational event entitled “One language is one flag” dedicated to the Day of Languages within the framework of the  Program “Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education” with the participation of first-year students of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics. The main purpose of the event, within the framework of the 'Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education' program was to honor our native language, promote the study of foreign languages among students, and encourage them to work tirelessly, study hard, become knowledgeable and develop into cultured individuals who will contribute to the development of our country.

The Law on Languages was adopted in our country on September 22, 1989. Since then,  September has been celebrated as the Day of Languages of the People of Kazakhstan. As Kazakhstani  poet Qadyr Myrzaliev said, “Learn all other languages, but respect your own,” Respect for our mother tongue is our civic duty. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, home to more than 130  nationalities and ethnic groups, the commonwealth that unites all people is the Kazakh  language. The Kazakh language is the state language, the mirror of our nationhood. Therefore, this holiday is not only the Day of Languages, but also a day that promotes the  culture, literature, national traditions, and historical values of all ethnic groups.

During the event, Kazakh students studying abroad — Akereke Abzhanqyzy Alkhapek (University of Warsaw, Poland) and Aldiyar Dzhusupov (University of Messina, Italy) —joined the live broadcast online. They shared with the students in Kazakh and English how  they learned foreign languages, entered European universities, and are currently studying  there. They emphasized that to contribute to our country’s development, one must first receive a good education, which requires continuous effort and hard work.

As part of the event, first-year students of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics specializing in Mathematics, Actuarial Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanics, Robotic Systems, Aerospace Engineering and Technology, Computational Sciences, and  Statistics recited poems and proverbs in Kazakh, English, and Chinese, asked and answered  each other’s questions, and shared their heartfelt reflections on the importance of language. Among participants were International students from China. The event was conducted in a very engaging and captivating  atmosphere. The moderators of the event were first-year students of  the Faculty, Aisha Muratova and Dinmukhammed Äblek.

Through this event, students gained comprehensive information about the significance  of the Day of Languages, once again realizing that to contribute to the development of our  country, one must study well, master foreign languages, and obtain quality education. The  event, with its educational and informative value, was held at a very high level and achieved  its goal.

Kulyash Zhubanova,

Altynkyz Kuralova,

Department of Foreign Languages