The definition of the Russian language in the Constitution of Kazakhstan has changed in the new draft
The norm regarding the use of the Russian language in Kazakhstan is expressed differently in the draft of the new Constitution. According to Bakhyt Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Republic, an important word will be replaced in Article 9 of the draft: instead of the previous term "equal," the term "row" will be used.
Nurmukhanov explained this change as an editorial and methodological correction, emphasizing that its purpose is to ensure "terminological and semantic uniformity." That is, the meanings in the text should correspond to each other, and legal interpretations should be clear.
According to the current interpretation of Article 7 of the current Constitution, the Russian language is officially used "equally" with the Kazakh language in state organizations and local self-government bodies. At the same time, it is clearly stated that the only state language in Kazakhstan is the Kazakh language.
This very word "equal" has been the subject of much debate for years. According to some discussions, this phrase brings the Russian language closer to the level of the state language in practice: it can be perceived not only as a means of communication, but almost as a "second state language."
The phrase "alongside the Kazakh language" in the new edition indicates a different line of logic: the Kazakh language is the only state language, and the Russian language is used with it, but is not equal in status. Consequently, from a legal point of view, the Russian language is not equal to the state language, but is noted as a language of functional significance in interethnic communication.
It was reported that the draft of the new Constitution of Kazakhstan was announced on January 31. Now it must be approved by a national referendum after public discussion. The voting date has not yet been set.
In short, although it seems that one word has changed, this change will further clarify the direction of language policy from a legal point of view. Now the main intrigue is this: in what spirit will the public discussion take place and what proposals will be formed before the referendum.
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