Neighboring country officials have decided to seriously embark on strengthening the status of the state language. The Kyrgyzstan parliament approved draft laws making knowledge of the Kyrgyz language mandatory for officials, judges, security forces, and even migrants, writes Orda.kz.
According to 24.kg, the Jogorku Kenesh local parliament has adopted a package of amendments related to the use of the Kyrgyz language in the second and third readings. Now, knowledge of the state language becomes a mandatory condition for a range of professions and positions. Deputies, ministers, judges of all levels, prosecutors, investigators, National Bank employees, security forces, and national security agency employees are required to know the Kyrgyz language. Lawyers and notaries who do not have the appropriate level of language proficiency will not be issued a license.
Furthermore, if a foreigner does not know the Kyrgyz language, they may be denied a residency permit or immigrant status.
Changes also affected the media - broadcasts in the Kyrgyz language must now constitute at least 60 percent of the total television and radio content volume. Furthermore, texts of advertisements in the state language must now be coordinated with local authorities regarding compliance with spelling and language standards.
The responsibility for supervision and punishment has been entrusted to the National Commission on the State Language and Language Policy. The adopted norms, according to the initiative's authors, are aimed at strengthening the status of the Kyrgyz language, promoting its widespread use in various state and societal spheres.
