Kazakhstan takes steps to introduce new official language in the country

According to Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev, Kazakh Sign Language (KSL) is likely to receive official recognition. The cabinet is already examining international experience and shaping decisions aimed at improving the lives of people with hearing impairments.   

Kazakhstan is currently working on establishing an accessible environment for people with hearing loss. Children with hearing impairments are taught fingerspelling and supported with specially designed handbooks, dictionaries and study guides, while 17 higher education institutions train teachers of the deaf. In addition, the e-Ymdau teaching software, which serves as an interactive video dictionary, is used in special schools.

Moreover, developers from Kostanay created the first electronic KSL dictionary. Additionally, under Kazakhstan’s Social Code, people with disabilities are entitled to receive the assistance of a sign language interpreter at the expense of the state budget.

On the agenda is granting sign language official status.

«We will attract foreign institutions and study international experience. After that, the adoption of Kazakh Sign Language and the dactyl alphabet will be worked out in detail,» the official said in response.

Although only preliminary preparations are underway, Kosherbayev emphasized that sign language is becoming an important part of educational and social policies.

Notably, this is not the only step Kazakhstan has taken toward enhancing an inclusive environment. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population reported last week that it would now be easier for people with motor disabilities to plan their routes, thanks to a newly added option to avoid stairways and mark essential infrastructure such as elevators and access ramps. The option is available in popular navigation applications, including 2GIS, Google Maps and Yandex Maps.