Bilingualism in Kazakhstan: Linguistic Challenges and Error Patterns in Kazakh Speech

As a result of long-term language contact, the Kazakh and Russian languages have been functioning in parallel across the territory of Kazakhstan. Within the framework of the country’s evolving language policy, acquiring proficiency in the Kazakh language has become a priority, particularly for individuals who either do not speak Kazakh or possess only a limited command of it. The current language policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan is aimed at strengthening the status of the Kazakh language as the state language, thereby enhancing its role and prominence in Kazakhstani society. In practice, however, the Kazakh speech of Russian-Kazakh bilinguals–especially ethnic Kazakhs who acquired Kazakh as a second language (L2)–often displays features that deviate from the normative standards of the Kazakh language. This article explores the linguistic peculiarities observed in their speech, with a particular focus on common deviations and error patterns. The study aims to identify and analyze the sources of these errors, which primarily stem from insufficient time and opportunity to fully acquire the language system, the predominance of Russian in daily communication, and the informal, non-institutionalized context in which Kazakh is often learned. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of bilingual speech production and provide insight into the challenges faced by L2 Kazakh speakers in a multilingual environment.