Government adopts new Latin-based Kazakh script variant
Kazakhstan Introduces Revised Latin Alphabet for Nation's Language
In a move aimed at modernizing Kazakh, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's initiative to modernize the Kazakh language's Latin-based alphabet is gaining traction. During a recent meeting of the National Commission, a new variant of the alphabet was unveiled, as per the Prime Minister's official statement.
Over forty alphabet designs, draft spelling rules, and keyboard arrangement orders were examined in the light of Tokayev's directive. The assessment included surveys in educational institutions, analyzing the readability and comprehension of the enhanced alphabet symbols. Public feedback was also considered through open discourses.
The refined alphabet incorporates 31 fundamental Latin script characters that cater to all 28 Kazakh language sounds. Unique Kazakh sounds like 'ä,' 'ö,' 'ü,' 'ұ,' and 'ğ' are denoted using common international symbols such as umlauts, macrons, cedillas, and breves.
The new alphabet adheres to the "one sound, one letter" principle, a standard established in Kazakh writing practice. The transition to this new alphabet is scheduled to occur progressively between 2023 and 2031.
Prime Minister Askar Mamin asserted that the revised alphabet would spur growth and facilitate modernization in accord with contemporary trends. He emphasized the need for extensive preparatory efforts in the immediate future to facilitate the smooth transition to the Latin script for the Kazakh language.
Mamin also ordered a widespread information and educational campaign among the populace to better understand the improved Kazakh Latin alphabet.
Noteworthy, the recently proposed alphabet features the letter 'Ğ' to signify a voiced uvular fricative, replacing the earlier suggestion of 'Ǵ' to align more closely with Kazakh phonetics and public preferences. This adjustment signifies ongoing refinement and adaptation for digital use cases [1][4].
In the context of modernizing the Kazakh language, the revised Latin-based alphabet is expected to boost developments in science and health-and-wellness through improved readability and comprehension of educational materials. Furthermore, this updated alphabet, with its adherence to international symbols, could potentially encourage advancements in education-and-self-development, fostering a more global perspective for Kazakh speakers.
