On the Russian-Speaking Population in Kazakhstan: Between Inclusion and Exclusion
On the Russian-Speaking Population in Kazakhstan: Between Inclusion and Exclusion

Summary/Abstract: This article explores the relationship between language practices and social exclusion within Kazakhstan's multilingual landscape. The empirical material of the study is based on a representative sociological survey conducted in 2021 across all regions of Kazakhstan (n = 1999) using a stratified quota sample. This sample ensured a balance in terms of age, gender, and place of residence. The respondents were divided into three groups: Kazakh-speaking, Russian-speaking and bilinguals. This division allowed us to examine how language proficiency influences perceptions of social integration, trust levels, and social inclusion. The χ²-test statistical method was employed in the data analysis, enabling us to assess the significance of differences between the language groups. In addition, qualitative materials from focus group discussions conducted in several regions of Kazakhstan were used to contextualise and interpret the results. The study's findings indicate that the Kazakh-speaking group is characterised by a high level of optimism, life satisfaction, and confidence in personal and political efficacy. By contrast, the Russian-speaking group experiences anxiety, dissatisfaction, and scepticism towards government institutions, pointing to a symbolic sense of social exclusion. Bilinguals occupy a middle ground between the two language groups, combining emotional ambivalence with a high level of adaptability and potential for social mobility. The data confirm that language is not only a means of communication, but also a form of symbolic capital that defines access to social recognition and participation in society.

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