Vladimir Nifadev, academician, rector of KRSU:
– At the end of the 1980s in the Kyrgyz SSR, almost the entire indigenous population spoke two languages. This played a positive role in the development of the republic itself and increased the level of education of its citizens. Soviet Kyrgyzstan ceased to be subsidized. There was not a single collective farm, state farm or unprofitable enterprise. Access to modern technologies for that time was opened. A powerful technical intelligentsia appeared, the Academy of Sciences grew, new educational and cultural institutions were opened.
Unfortunately, after the collapse of the USSR, the role of the Russian language gradually began to decline. Now we are faced with the question of how to ensure that it is studied with pleasure by schoolchildren, and teachers can teach this topic professionally. In the regions, it is necessary to introduce new methods and monitor their operation. And the focus should be more on practice than on theory. It is extremely important that the Russian language in Kyrgyzstan is maintained at the appropriate level. Without it, the country will not be able to solve its problems. The Russian language in the republic is not only the language of interethnic communication. It is also an important information tool, a colossal resource for development. How, for example, are we going to work in the Eurasian Economic Union, the CIS, or on the platforms of other integration associations where Russian is a working language?
Cholpon Baekova, Doctor of Laws:
– It surprises me that a specific program for the development of languages ​​as such in the republic for a long time was not accepted at all. I doubt it still exists. Meanwhile, such a document could align all actions of teachers of educational institutions and the leadership of state structures with the requirements of the Constitution.
In 1993, I participated in drafting the first Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. When the question of granting official status to the Russian language was decided, some scientists argued that it was not necessary, while others were sure of the opposite. I insisted that giving official status to the Russian language should be mandatory. Some colleagues even said that I was not Kyrgyz. Then I asked them to show what language their essays were written in.
After 30 years, language policy issues have not lost their relevance. I do not understand why many politicians say that it is the Russian language that is the reason for the ignorance of Kyrgyz. I am also surprised by the statement of individual officials who insist that those who do not speak the Kyrgyz language should not hold public office. Why such extremes? We will have a colossal exodus of qualified personnel, which we already lack.
Kanybek Imanaliev, Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic:
– I believe that the most striking example of bilingualism is the work of Chyngyz Aitmatov. He wrote very penetratingly in the Kyrgyz language, almost the same as Toktogul Satylganov and Togolok Moldo. However, it was in Russian that his works became known all over the world.
Do not forget that the Kyrgyz people at one time achieved great success in science and education, also thanks to the Russian language. Suffice it to recall such great scientists as Isa Akhunbaev, Musa Adyshev and others. Unfortunately, I must admit that there are problems in the development of Russian and Kyrgyz languages, especially in rural areas. The main ones are lack of funding and lack of staff. Imagine that in the Talas region, 98% of teachers are graduates of the regional university. They didn’t even study in Bishkek. And how to improve the level of training? I will add that 97% of the funds allocated by the state for the development of the education system are spent on salaries and utility bills for educational institutions.
In mid-May, I went on a work trip to all parts of the country. I have met principals, spoken with teachers, and come to the conclusion that these people should be encouraged at the state level. Recently, for example, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the title of “Hero of Labor” to the teacher of Russian language and literature, Tatyana Baburova. She has been working in a school in one of the districts of the Moscow region since 1969. During this time, Baburova produced 17 gold medalists. We also have professors who teach in rural areas, who have more than a hundred medal-winning graduates. I intend to apply to the Cabinet of Ministers with a proposal to support teachers, as well as to improve their qualifications. These measures should particularly concern rural teachers. Teachers will be able to study in the capital’s courses or, if there is such an opportunity, then in Russia. We intend to focus this year on improving the professional level of teachers.
As for the new law “On the State Language”, which caused so much controversy… I do not think that this document can negatively affect the development of the Russian language. After all, they belong to more than 80% of the country’s population.
Nina Rogoznaya, doctor of philology, professor at the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute:
– Our institute has developed a logistics path for the development of the Russian language in the regions of Russia, and I think it is quite suitable for Kyrgyzstan. But, of course, it is important for us to know the needs of the republic. That is, what, apart from books, is necessary for the development of the Russian language in your country.
Representatives of our institute have visited Kyrgyzstan several times and are aware of the situation, the existing problems, including the shortage of textbooks. New teaching aids are being developed, which will later go to the republic. We also have a professional development program for teachers of Russian language and literature, and I think it will be extended to Kyrgyzstan. You can conduct classes on the site of the department “Pushkin Institute”, which is open at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University.
We are currently working on a project related to the study programs of bilingual children who come to Russia and receive an education in Russian. I believe that our methodology is quite applicable here in Kyrgyzstan. However, before starting to use it, it is necessary to conduct a thorough analysis of the republic. It is necessary to understand what is specifically given to a particular child more easily, and what he learns with difficulty. This will improve the program.
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