Faculty of International Relations and the Department of Diplomatic Translation at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted an international scientific and practical conference on "Modern Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages and Translation Studies in the Context of Digitalization."

On February 5, 2025, the Faculty of International Relations and the Department of Diplomatic Translation at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted an international scientific and practical conference on "Modern Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages and Translation Studies in the Context of Digitalization." The event was dedicated to the memory of Associate Professor Mariyash Kaidaulovna Makisheva in honor of her 75th anniversary.

The conference brought together representatives from the scientific and academic community of leading universities and research institutes in Kazakhstan, as well as international scholars from France, Turkey, and China, alongside representatives of diplomatic missions, the educational project "Epoch and Personality," and members of the mass media.

Conference Topics

The conference addressed key issues in foreign language and translation studies in the digital era, including:

• Integration of digital technologies in language learning
• Automation and artificial intelligence in language teaching and translation
• Challenges and opportunities of digitalization in language education
• Translation and localization of digital content
• Digital culture and intercultural communication
• Effective methods for teaching translation in the digital age

These topics were explored with a focus on training specialists at all educational levels in alignment with modern academic and industry requirements.

Opening Ceremony

The conference was opened by the moderator, Professor Zh.T. Sayrambaeva, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations and PhD in Law.

Among those who shared their reflections and tributes were:

• Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor M.B. Burkitbaev (Al-Farabi Kazakh National University)
• PhD in Philosophy, Associate Professor M.A. Buribaeva, Vice-Rector for Scientific Work and International Relations at Kyzylorda University named after Korkyt Ata and head of the "Epoch and Personality" project
• PhD in Philosophy, Associate Professor A.A. Muldagalieva, Director of the TOEFL Center
• Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor U.E. Musabekova
• Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor F.T. Kukeeva
• Head of the Department of International Relations and World Economics, G.S. Baykushikova
• PhD, Associate Professor L.F. Delovarova
• PhD, Associate Professor M.M. Aymagambetova, Head of the Department of Foreign Philology and Translation Studies
• PhD, Associate Professor G.O. Mukhametkalieva (Department of Diplomatic Translation)

Key Presentations

The conference featured prominent scholars presenting on various aspects of digitalization in language education and translation:

• Professor Ercan Alkaya and Doç. Dr. Mehmet Özeren (Fırat University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Turkey) – "Language Issues among Modern Turkish Written Languages and Their Effect on Mutual Understanding"
• PhD, Associate Professor G.O. Mukhametkalieva (Department of Diplomatic Translation, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University) – "Features of Foreign Language Teaching Based on National Values"
• PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor A.A. Golovchun (Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages named after Abylai Khan) – "AVP: Types, Functions, and Teaching Strategies"
• M.Sc., Senior Lecturer L.T. Seri (KazUIR and WL named after Abylai Khan) – "The Role of Python Technologies in Modern Translator Training Methods"
• PhD, Associate Professor A.S. Smagulova and Doctoral Student N. Izekenova (KazGosZhenPU) – "Inclusion in Foreign Language Teaching: Opinions of Teachers in Kazakhstan"

Additional Notable Contributions on Digitalization

• Doctor of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor N.G. Arefyeva (Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov) – "Differentiated Approach in Foreign Language Training for Foreigners"
• Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor E.N. Stepanov – "Calculated Equivalent as a Non-Equivalent Concept in Diplomatic Texts (Based on Russian-Chinese Agreements)"
• Master of Science Fatikh G.E. (Hunan Pedagogical University, China) – "The Category of Corporality as a Means of Artistic Expression"
• Master’s Student Luo Sicheng (Hunan Pedagogical University, China) – "Study and Practice of Translation in an Intercultural Perspective"
• Master of Pedagogical Sciences Wang Zhongzheng (Hunan Pedagogical University, China) – "Strategies for Translating Culturally Loaded Words in the Context of Digitalization—The Example of Yu Hua’s 'To Live.'”

Conference Outcome

The conference moderator expressed gratitude to the participants and guests for their active engagement, insightful discussions, and valuable contributions to the event.

A collection of scientific articles based on the conference proceedings will be published and included in the Web of Science international database.