The recently passed law in Kyrgyzstan regarding the state language, which requires officials to use the Kyrgyz language at work, does not discriminate against the Russian language, which holds official status in the country, stated President Sadyr Japarov on July 24.
He clarified that the law does not apply to teachers and doctors.
Japarov emphasized that citizens of Kyrgyzstan need the Russian language just as much as the Kyrgyz language because cooperation with CIS countries would be challenging without Russian. He pointed out that in international settings like China, Arab countries, and European states, Russian is also commonly used. In this regard, he encouraged citizens to fully learn both Kyrgyz and Russian languages and, if needed, to study other languages such as English, French, and Chinese.
On July 17, Japarov signed the constitutional law on the state language, which introduces restrictions on public service positions for citizens who do not speak Kyrgyz.
The constitutional law establishes the legal framework for using the state language in Kyrgyzstan and implementing language policies. It obliges state bodies, institutions, organizations, and local self-government bodies to create conditions for its development and ensures citizens' right to use the state language.
The law designates a list of individuals required to have a mid-level proficiency (B1) in the state language and apply it in the performance of their official duties. This includes government and municipal officials, deputies, military personnel, judges, heads, and employees of educational institutions of all forms of ownership, state and municipal healthcare institutions, educational and research workers, and others.
Additionally, television and radio companies must produce 60% of content in the Kyrgyz language, and Kyrgyz-language versions of websites must contain no less information than versions in other languages.
Furthermore, Article 2 of the enacted law states that Russian is used as the official language in Kyrgyzstan. The use of the official language is regulated according to the laws of the republic.
As per the country's Constitution, Kyrgyz is the state language, while Russian has the status of an official language.
"Cooperation with the CIS countries is impossible without the Russian language. We also speak Russian when we go to China, Arab countries and Europe. In this case, we want to fully master our language. Government officials and deputies speak half Russian, half Kyrgyz. None of us fully knows either Russian or Kyrgyz,” said Sadyr Zhaparov.
The President called for equal proficiency in Kyrgyz and Russian, as well as, if necessary, English, French, Chinese and other languages.
Earlier Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov raises concerns over Kyrgyzstan's mandatory Kyrgyz language law, citing democratic implication.
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