Exploring the language policy and planning: a comparative analysis of language practice in Kazakhstan and Estonia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study proposes a modified and more precise framework for conducting a comparative analysis of the current linguistic situations in two post-Soviet countries, Kazakhstan and Estonia. While these countries share historical roots under the Soviet Union, they have followed divergent paths since its dissolution. The evolution of language policy in these nations since their independence is considered from the perspective of everyday language practice, national identity, and prestige. With a particular focus on exploring the role of multilingualism in shaping the image and prestige of the Kazakh and Estonian languages, the research reports on the participants’ awareness of the de jure language policy and their attitudes towards the de facto language policy, and assesses the present state of the Kazakh and Estonian languages in the visual and media landscape. Employing an online survey and subsequent correlation analysis using SPSS, the research findings indicate a positive shift in the perception of native languages in both Kazakhstan and Estonia, signifying ongoing efforts to elevate their prestige and modernity across various sectors. By shedding light on the complexities of language dynamics in these two countries, the findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary sociolinguistic landscapes in Kazakhstan and Estonia.