Shifting Paradigms: Language Learning in Kazakhstan

The paper describes the paradigm shift in language learning in the Republic of Kazakhstan from the perspective of the academics that have extensive expertise in teaching English and French at linguistic and technical universities of Soviet Kazakhstan and present-day Kazakhstan. The case-study is based on the comparative analysis done both diachronically (within 30-40 years) and synchronously (English versus other foreign languages, secondary versus higher education, linguistic versus technical universities). The paper analyses political, social, and economic background of shifting paradigm in language learning and its impact on the educational environment in this country. Kazakhstan is the only former Soviet republic that has adopted a state program on trilingualism (the Tri-Unity of Languages project) aimed at learning and mastering at equal level three languages within the community, namely, Kazakh, Russian, and English. Trilingualism is considered to be an objective response to the existing geopolitical situation Kazakhstan is facing today and a key to success for both society and individuals in future. The authors present and discuss positive and negative implications of the paradigm shift in language learning that is taking place within the Kazakhstani education system at large and in two leading Kazakhstani universities in particular.