Governmental organizations and communities offer courses to learn Kazakh and local libraries also organise various events for English-speaking people and other foreigners where you can learn about the history, culture and language of the country.
Language exchange
A great way to get to know people and learn more about the language and the culture is to participate in a language exchange, where you can meet with a local and spend half the time conversing in your native tongue, the other half in theirs. There are a lot of websites and adverts in the classifieds which offer these opportunities, but always arrange to meet someone in a familiar, public place when you’re meeting them for the first time.
Using English
English is fast gaining momentum as the language of international communication in Kazakhstan and the surrounding countries, so many Kazakhs are interested in learning the language. People of almost all ages generally show a great enthusiasm in learning English and take the opportunity to practice when they can. This has opened up the door for English-speaking foreigners who are willing to teach English, but for most other jobs a knowledge of some Kazakh or Russian will be required.
This article was contributed by Optimum Translation Agency, offering language services in Kazakh, Russian and English.