Language Bridge: How KazNU Students Learn Chinese and Russian Through Cultural Dialogue

At Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, PhD and senior lecturer of the Department of Chinese Studies, A.M. Nurzhaeva, has developed a unique teaching approach that combines students learning Chinese and Russian in a cultural dialogue setting.

Each lesson is not just about grammar and vocabulary, but a real-life language experience. Russian-speaking students learn pronunciation and tones from native Chinese speakers, while Chinese students grasp the nuances of the Russian language through direct communication.

The instructor fosters an atmosphere of mutual exchange, where students work in pairs and small groups to help each other master the language. Interactive tasks, role-playing games, and discussions allow students to apply their knowledge in practice. The key idea is that language should not remain only in textbooks but become a true tool for communication.

A special emphasis is placed on the cultural aspect: students not only learn the language but also become familiar with each other’s traditions, mentality, and communication styles. This helps them gain a deeper understanding of language logic and overcome linguistic barriers.

Such interaction makes the lessons particularly valuable: students acquire knowledge not only from textbooks but also through friendship, experience exchange, and cultural understanding.