Azhigenova S.K., Sarbalakova G.B., Iskakova R.K., Tompieva Z.E., Akhmetzhanov A.I.
Карагандинский государственный университет имени Е.А.Букетова, Караганда, Казахстан
MULTILINGUALISM IS THE MAIN REQUIREMENT OF TIME
Abstract
This article discusses current issues of the main idea of cultural project «Trinity of languages» proposed by N.A.Nazarbayev. The importance of learning English language is highlighted; article focuses on the importance of increasing the requirements for higher education institutions and colleges in order to make English language and other languages learning process more effective and available for Kazakhstani people.
Key words: language, international, message of the President, trinity of languages.
Ключевые слова: язык, международный, послание Президента, три единства языка.
The people and nations who possess one or more foreign languages are always considered to be a leading country in different fields, and they always improve their communicational and integrational abilities. “Multilingualism” refers to the usage of combination of several languages at the same time. In this context it describes the effective policy of learning languages. For instance, in ancient Egypt some people who knew foreign languages did not pay taxes, their social status and positions were growing in the hierarchical system.
Showing respect for the language means respect for the whole nation. Hence, improving language is a deal of everyone. Our language is regarded not only as an instrument for communication, but it is a symbol of our national value. The “Second teacher”, the great Abu-Nasr Al-Farabi spoke fluently 76 languages, and the bravest poet Makhambet and an outstanding geographer Shokan also knew several foreign languages. The great poet Abay spoke Arabic and Persian, in addition to Kazakh and Russian languages. From the historical annals it is known that Kazakh language was not disrespected or undervalued, it survived equally with other languages and kept its uniqueness for thousand years [1].
In recent years, multilingualism is considered to be a main requirement of the new century. Since our country has achieved the Independence, the language policy is successfully leaded by our President N.A.Nazarbayev. In the President’s Message “New Kazakhstan in a new world” of 2007 it is said that : “Kazakhstan should be perceived worldwide as a highly educated country whose population uses three languages. They are: Kazakh language — the state language, Russian language — as a language of international communication and English – the language of successful integration into the global economy”. Nevertheless, many issues appear regarding to the reconsideration of cultural project “Trinity of languages”. However, as the President says: “Kazakh language will gradually become the main language”, so we should believe that among those three languages our native one has to be placed on the first place. It is also known that the policy of “Trinity of languages” is an effective way to become a part of fifty developed countries in the world [2].
There are no disadvantages of knowing foreign languages. From ancient times, Kazakh people tried to get the best values of other nations. During the Soviet period, Russian language was the key languages for all. It was a need of that times. Our nation has learned this language, and till now we speak it fluently. The next achievement is the English language. Even though it is challenging, speaking it fluently will open so many opportunities for us, will widen our vision of the world and improve our lifestyle. Undoubtedly, people should be proud of knowing several foreign languages. However, there should be a special place for our native, Kazakh language. Without speaking Kazakh fluently, knowing other languages is useless. We learn English to be more intelligent and open to the new world, to get education abroad and strengthen our international policy. Some people may argue that English language should not be taught at schools. However, the English language is a proven language of globalization. And our aim is to achieve progress through it. [3].
The prospective policy of the President has deep roots. In order to strengthen our position in the international arena we should speak English fluently and become a prospective country. This way is beneficial for all of us. We should remember that our native language is needed for national unity, whereas foreign languages are needed for our living. Great poet Kadyr Myrza-Ali said: “ Your native language is your conscience and pride; speak other languages, but respect your native language”. Hence, we should, first, love and respect Kazakh language, and then make great efforts to possess another language. [3;4].
In the times of globalization, the role of English languages is vital, and its importance is increasing day by day. Speaking English fluently gives several opportunities in understanding innovational technologies, realize economic and social projects, scientific ideas, and educational programs. Currently, the English language is the key to global innovations and information.
As the result of growing importance of education and science, economy and business, policy, and global competition our President proposed the project of trilingual education. Consequently, cultural project “Trinity of languages” is finding its practical importance among the citizens of our country. “Future of Kazakhstan lies in Kazakh language” says one of the proposals of the leader of our country. We should learn our native and foreign languages. Knowing foreign languages will change our vision, it is necessary for the future generations, and of course, it is a feature of a competitive country with bright future.
The Minister of Education states that our country will possess all three languages and practice trilingual education with no obstacles by the year 2019. He mentioned that all high school students will gradually be a part of this system by 2019. It means that disciplines of technical specializations in high school (chemistry, physics, biology, computer science) will be taught in English and give a chance for students to join worldwide community and increase their achievements in educational and learning process.
English language is the key of XXI century, of informational technologies and computer science. In recent times millions of people use English at work or while their study, or may be as a native language. Nowadays, English has a privilege in many fields of living: international business, science, and technologies.
The number of people who want to learn English and speak it fluently is increasing rapidly. This need caused many changes and challenging issues in methodology of teaching foreign language in high school and other educational institutions. As a result, there are specialized schools and educational centers, gymnasiums and lyceums, colleges which offer a deep program of learning English language [4].
According to these facts my main aim is to make learning English language more interesting and available for all during the teaching process. I strongly believe that every child has a potential to learn something new, and a good teacher knows how to develop it. These days a number of children speaking English fluently is growing. We try to improve their abilities during the lessons, give more additional materials, show them different video and audio materials. Undoubtedly, such teaching instruments will increase child’s interest in learning English. By possessing a foreign language, we enrich our inner worldview. Future of our country depends on us, young leaders, so we need to learn all three languages and speak them fluently. My goal is to grow and teach students whose understanding of world and conscience is high, who know the importance and value of “ Homeland, Kazakh, Native language”.
In order to strengthen the policy of trilingual education, we as the teachers should contribute to the process, teach children according to the requirements and necessary criteria.
Trilingual education – is an opportunity for growing generation to practice their skills in global educational sphere, is a chance to explore worldwide scientific issues, it is a vital necessity of the new century.
To conclude this article, I would like to mention that Kazakh language is needed to be developed, Russian – to be used and English is needed to be learned.
References:
- Message of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A.Nazarbayev // «New Kazakhstan in a new world» of February 28, 2007.
- «7777 proverbs of Kazakh» //Author:Zhardem Keykin. Almaty: Olke, 2002.p-8.
- Encyclopedia «Historic people».// Almaty Kitap 2006.p-12-15.
- «Improvement of well-being of Kazakh people is the main aim of state policy» // Central Kazakhstan newspaper. 200, February 7, №36 (25008), p-2.