As economic, educational and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China continue to expand, more young people in Kazakhstan are choosing to study the Chinese language. For many, mastering Chinese is not only an academic achievement but also a gateway to international opportunities and deeper cross-cultural understanding.
Journalist Kemar Mashanlo, Editor-in-Chief of Phoenix 24, recently visited the Confucius Institute in Almaty to meet students and teachers and explore what inspires young Kazakhstanis to learn one of the world’s most challenging languages.
During the visit, students shared their personal experiences and motivations. Some see Chinese as an important professional skill that can open doors to careers in business, international relations and education. Others said learning the language allows them to better understand China’s rich history, traditions and contemporary society.
Teachers at the institute noted that interest in Chinese has steadily grown in recent years, reflecting the increasing people-to-people exchanges between Kazakhstan and China. In addition to language courses, the Confucius Institute regularly organizes cultural events, calligraphy workshops, Chinese festivals and academic exchange programs, giving students an opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
The visit highlighted how language learning serves as an important bridge between neighboring countries, helping young people broaden their horizons and strengthen mutual understanding through education and cultural dialogue.
The report is part of the Belt and Road Explorer series, showcasing stories of cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Kazakhstan and China.
Watch our full video report for more insights into the students’ stories and their journey of learning Chinese.
https://youtu.be/4ZgLun8hCsI?si=aMNrem9EIsMSTRPD
