In Kyrgyzstan, discussions influenced by the experience of neighboring Kazakhstan have led to a proposal: primary school education should be conducted in the state language. This stance was voiced during a parliamentary session by Nurlanbek Shakiev, the Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, who urged a clear shift toward Kyrgyz as the language of instruction for the early years of schooling.
The parliamentarian argued that subjects in primary grades ought to be taught exclusively in Kyrgyz, rather than in multiple languages. He emphasized that the state language needs a decisive policy move, not gradualism, if it is to flourish. Drawing a parallel with Kazakhstan, he noted that grades 1 through 4 there are taught entirely in Kazakh with no other language used. He suggested Kyrgyz should follow a similar path to bolster language development from kindergarten onward, warning that delays or excuses can hollow out the language’s vitality over time.
In another development, Kyrgyzstan announced that all high school graduates who take the national exams in 2023 would be required to demonstrate a minimum proficiency in the state language. This verification would be mandatory for every applicant, regardless of the language used in other portions of their testing. Officials also stated that the results of the main and subject exams would not be released until the state language assessment has been completed, underscoring the central importance placed on Kyrgyz language competence in the country’s education system.
Separately, a report noted the disappearance of a well-known Russian mountaineer who went missing while climbing Aksu in Kyrgyzstan. The incident has drawn renewed attention to the region’s challenging terrain and the dangers that mountaineers may face in the Kyrgyz mountains.