Languages of intercultural dialogue: Russian and Kyrgyz in modern Kyrgyzstan

On March 1, 2026, in the program «Science and Life», the guest of the studio (NTS) had a conversation with Doctor of Philology, Professor, Director of the Institute of Russian Language named after. A. M. Orusbaeva (KRSU) — Mamed Dzhakypovich Tagaev. The conversation was devoted to the language situation in the Kyrgyz Republic; interaction between Russian and Kyrgyz languages; current scientific directions of linguistics and typology; the use of AI in the creation of national language buildings; the position of the Russian language in our country, reflected in the new monograph «Russian language in sovereign Kyrgyzstan: 30 years of the post-Soviet era» and textbook «Russian language: Basic course». Host of the program – Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor, famous public figure Kanybek Osmonalievich Osmonaliev.Kanybek Osmonalievich began the conversation with a conversation about the interaction of the Russian and Kyrgyz languages: «We speak Kyrgyz and Russian, and how do they interact with each other?».The scientist dealing with this issue, M.J. Tagayev formulated a position on this issue: «The problem of bilingual education is being actively discussed today in many republics of Central Asia. The issue of language became especially acute in Kyrgyzstan after gaining independence. In the first years of independence, the prevailing need in society was to focus exclusively on the development of the native language, which was correct, since language is one of the most important symbols of statehood. However, over time it became obvious: the modern world requires a much broader approach. Knowing several languages — is a requirement of the time, — the professor emphasized. — Wherever a person finds himself, no matter what country he is in, language always becomes a subject of discussion. I was in Europe and observed the language situation with my own eyes. It would seem that German – is the language of philosophy, high examples of fiction, advanced science and the latest technologies, and at the same time many residents of this country, and not only this one, strive to master the English language. Why? Yes, because knowledge of languages through which the results of knowledge of the world are described and described not only enriches the native language, but also opens a wide window of opportunity for personal and professional development».The next question from the program host: «What conditions does the institute create for the promotion and development of the Russian language in Kyrgyzstan?».Answering the question, M.J. Tagaev turned to the history of the creation of the institute and the scale of its activities: «Seven years ago, a project was prepared and presented to the scientific department on the creation of the Institute of Russian Language named after A. M. Orusbaev (KRSU). The initiative was approved and the institute began its work. Over the six years of its existence, the institute’s staff has done significant scientific and educational work. Today they know about it not only in Kyrgyzstan, but also far beyond its borders. The Institute is actively developing international cooperation. Strong scientific ties have been established with leading universities and scientific centers in Russia, Europe and Central Asian countries. Particularly close scientific interaction has developed with RUDN University and the State Institute of Russian Language named after. A. S. Pushkin».Mamed Dzhakypovich emphasized: «The development of the Kyrgyz language — is the most important state task, but this does not mean abandoning other languages. If a person wants to be educated, he must learn other languages – and the native language must not be forgotten. Knowing several languages does not harm anyone, on the contrary —it broadens your horizons and opens up new horizons».One of the significant scientific projects of the institute was the monograph «Russian language in sovereign Kyrgyzstan: 30 years of the post-Soviet era» by Doctor of Philology, Professor M.J. Tagaeva, co-written with institute employee A. S. Moldomambetova.Institute employees conducted a sociological study in schools in remote regions of the country, interviewing over twenty-three thousand people. The results of the study showed an interesting trend: the majority of respondents emphasize the need to preserve and develop their native language. However, at the same time, many parents strive to give their children the opportunity to learn other languages, and often choose Russian for them.In this context, the host of the program «Science and Life» K. O. Osmonaliev supplemented the idea with a statement by the outstanding scientist Yuri Mikhailovich Lotman: «The time will come when the clash of civilizations will occur primarily at the level of languages and cultural codes».According to Mamed Dzhakypovich Tagaev, «... languages should not become the cause of confrontation. On the contrary, they should serve as a bridge for mutual understanding between peoples. Kyrgyz and Russian languages should become partners. And the Russian language should not be perceived as an alien language, but a different language code, which with its resources helps the Kyrgyz language develop. Indeed, if you think about it, a significant part of the information enters the content space of the Kyrgyz language through Russian».«Languages help us exchange knowledge and culture», — he emphasized.Thus, dialogue between languages — is not rivalry, but cooperation. It is in this interaction that the modern educational and cultural space of Kyrgyzstan is formed.