LINGUISTIC SITUATION IN KAZAKHSTAN: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SOVIET AND INDEPENDENCE PERIODS

The article examines the typological features of the linguistic situation in the Soviet and independence periods, the number of ethno-linguistic structures in the linguistic environment, the level of ethnolinguistic diversity, the share of the population speaking each language, the demographic potential of linguistic structures, the functions performed by each linguistic structure concerning the total number of communicative services, as well as the comparative communicative capacity of linguistic structures and their legal status. In other words, the nature of state regulation of the ratio of languages, the level of genetic proximity of the languages that make up the linguistic situation, the ethnic origin of the prestigious language in the current linguistic situation, and the assessment of the languages jointly used by society are analyzed. It should be noted that the Soviet period in the article refers to the twenty-year period before the year of independence. Relevance of the article: due to the multi-ethnic structure and cultural diversity of Kazakhstan, language policy affects not only the country's social stability and economic development but also cultural integration (). Since gaining independence, changes in language policy and the analysis of the current linguistic situation have become especially relevant. Novelty: the study presents the transformation of the linguistic situation in Kazakhstan by comparing the language policy of the Soviet period and its long-term consequences with the period of independence. New trends and tendencies are identified, new sources are analyzed, including recent studies and statistical data. The sociolinguistic characteristics of the current linguistic situation are assessed, the role of the Kazakh language is examined, and possible directions for its further development are predicted. Practical significance: the results of the study can be useful to scientists and specialists in the field of language policy, sociolinguists, sociologists, and political scientists to improve the language policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, develop intercultural communication, and support multilingualism. In addition, the study provides an opportunity to develop practical recommendations for the implementation of language policy in the education system and in the field of culture.