PERCEPTIONS OF KARACHAY, KYRGYZ AND RUSSIAN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY LEVELS OF KARACHAY’S LIVING IN KYRGYZSTAN

This study examined proficiency levels in Karachay, Kyrgyz, and Russian among Karachay people in Kyrgyzstan through a sociolinguistic survey in Chuy. Four language skills, reading, writing, speaking, and listening, were assessed. The findings indicate that Karachays have the highest proficiency in Russian across all skills, compared to Karachay and Kyrgyz. There is a notable language shift towards the Russian language, especially among the younger generations. The study highlights the "seven generations’ tradition, which limits intra-ethnic marriages and fosters linguistic assimilation. Research suggests a risk of Karachay language loss due to Russian dominance in communication and increasing interethnic marriages.