ACTOR-ORIENTED APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LATIN-BASED KAZAKH ALPHABET AND ITS SOCIAL ROLE IN MODERNIZING THE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE YOUTH

Abstract

The article attempts to explain the causes of Kazakhstan’s gradual transition from the Cyrillic-based Kazakh alphabet to the Latin-based script by 2025. This transition results from the multiplicative effect of an innovative breakthrough in science, education and technology and aims to foster future-oriented changes in Kazakhstani public awareness and targets mostly the youth. A key area in this transition is its focus on the society and people/actors who are its clients and, eventually, beneficiaries. A sociological snap survey aimed at examining expert opinions on the subject was conducted among forty-three experts fluent in the Kazakh language and in Latin-based foreign languages and residing in Astana, Kazakhstan. In general, the survey revealed the experts’ positive assessment of the transition of the Kazakh alphabet from the Cyrillic to the Latin script. The reason they welcomed it is due to their long-term understanding of globalization processes taking place internationally. The study adopted a comparative approach using some post-Soviet states’ experience of shifting to the Latin script (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan). The need to conduct this kind of expert surveys shows that the Kazakhstanis understand the importance of this shift to the Latin-based script, are interested in and ready for it. Sociological research on this topic makes it possible to look at the expert opinion of all concerned.