A Conversation With Mahabat Sadyrbek About the Kyrgyz Language
This article from The Diplomat features an interview with Dr. Mahabat Sadyrbek, a political scientist and linguist, discussing the current state of language in Kyrgyzstan. Sadyrbek argues that multilingualism is a valuable resource, not a problem, and that Kyrgyz must develop while preserving the advantages of Russian. She notes that conversations in Bishkek naturally code-switch between Kyrgyz and Russian, reflecting the country's history and social experience. Russian remains important for higher education, science, and professional success, while Kyrgyz has expanded its role in government and national identity. Sadyrbek also comments on Russian soft power efforts in Central Asia, acknowledging that Russian provides access to a vast intellectual and digital space. She authored the first Kyrgyz grammar reference books in German and English, emphasizing that a language needs more than native speakers to flourish.
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