Today, an international seminar dedicated to Chinese Language Day was held in Astana.
The event was jointly organized by the Kazakhstan branch of Beijing Language and Culture University and Astana International University.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Kazakhstan, Han Chunlin, participated in the seminar and emphasized the deepening cultural ties between China and Kazakhstan.
In his speech, the ambassador highlighted that the Chinese language is a “civilizational code” with over 5,000 years of history, and is now evolving alongside modern technologies. According to him, China’s “Tianwen” lunar exploration program and Huawei’s “HarmonyOS” system are clear examples of how science and poetry in the Chinese language are in harmony.
"The Chinese language is more than just a collection of characters and sounds — it is a bridge between civilizations. The friendship between China and Kazakhstan is a confident step toward a shared future for humanity," the ambassador said.
He also noted the growing interest in the Chinese language in Kazakhstan. Currently, five Confucius Institutes operate across the country. The Kazakhstani government is planning to open Chinese language departments at major universities and introduce Chinese as a second foreign language in education programs.
Han Chunlin expressed his gratitude to Kazakhstani Chinese language teachers and professionals working in this field, highly appreciating their contributions.
"As Abai once said, 'True civilization emerges when the thoughts of different languages illuminate one another.' We must be guided by this principle and continue the dialogue of cultures," he concluded.
Teaching Chinese Is a Sign of Cultural Respect
Serik Irsaliyev, Rector of Astana International University, spoke at the seminar for Chinese language teachers in Central Asia, underlining the importance of Chinese language education.
"Teaching Chinese with quality is not just about education — it's also a way to honor and pass on Chinese culture to future generations," he stated.
According to Irsaliyev, educational cooperation between Kazakhstan and China has reached a new level in recent years. Around 4,000 Kazakhstani students are currently studying in China, while over 1,000 Chinese students are studying in Kazakhstan.
He also noted that the opening of the Beijing Language and Culture University branch in Astana is a concrete result of the strategic partnership. This year, the university plans to train 30 Chinese language teachers and 50 students majoring in translation.
"Today’s seminar is an important platform for exchanging educational experiences and strengthening professional ties among language experts in the region," Irsaliyev added.
Chinese Is a Bridge Between Cultures
Gulnar Birimkulova, Head of the Department of Oriental Studies at the Faculty of International Relations of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, delivered a congratulatory speech at the Chinese Language Day celebration. She highlighted the growth of oriental studies and rising interest in the Chinese language.
"Chinese Language Day is not just about commemorating the culture of writing — it's a symbol of respect for linguistic diversity," she said.
According to her, the Department of Oriental Studies was founded in 1999 and has since established close partnerships with the embassies of China, Japan, Korea, and various foreign universities.
The department trains specialists in Chinese studies. The academic program covers not only the language itself but also Chinese history and culture. The university also has a dedicated classroom equipped for Chinese language learning.
"Every year, more and more students express interest in studying Chinese. This reflects Kazakhstan’s strengthening relations with East Asian countries," she added.
Chinese — The Eternal Code of Civilization
Doctor of Historical Sciences, orientalist, and senior research fellow at the UNESCO-affiliated International Cultural Center, Klara Khafizova, emphasized the profound importance of the Chinese language and script.
"Chinese is one of the world’s oldest and richest writing systems. It is not just a means of communication — it is a code of civilization, a repository of memory, and a manifestation of creativity," she said.
According to Khafizova, Chinese characters and their history are filled with myth, philosophy, and symbolism. Instead of simple phonetic borrowing, the language uses refined and clever methods to express new ideas. Learning Chinese, she noted, is not mere memorization — it is long-term cognitive training.
"By learning Chinese, we gain insights not only into the language of one people but into the cultural connections and even the shared history of all Eastern civilizations," she explained.
She also pointed out the close link between Chinese language, poetry, and music. Its sound system is rich in aesthetic and emotional expression. As an example, she referenced the performance of Mao Zedong’s famous poems set to traditional melodies.
Khafizova emphasized the Chinese government’s global efforts to promote the Chinese language. She highlighted Confucius Institutes, specialized textbooks, and the Beijing Language and Culture University’s branch in Astana as real steps toward global recognition of the language.
It is worth noting that the 16th Chinese Language Day is being celebrated this spring as part of an annual initiative by the United Nations. The day aims to raise awareness of the Chinese language's global significance and foster intercultural exchange.
