To mark the Day of Languages of the People of Kazakhstan, the Al-Farabi Library organized a book exhibition entitled “Language — the Soul of the Nation, the Pillar of the State.”
The main purpose of the exhibition is to promote the linguistic and cultural diversity of Kazakhstan, highlight the important role of language in preserving national history and spiritual identity, and raise awareness of the status and significance of the Kazakh language as the state language.
The exhibition introduces readers to the historical development of the Kazakh language, which has its roots in ancient Turkic written monuments, the main stages in the development of Kazakh linguistics, as well as the scholarly heritage of prominent Kazakh linguists.
The book exhibition is presented in four thematic sections.
“Language — the Keeper of the Chronicle of the World”
This section features rare and valuable publications from the library’s collection of rare books and manuscripts. Among them are “Til Sabaktary” by G. Ibragimov, published in Kazan in 1919 in the old written script; “Alip-bi: Zhana Kural” by Akhmet Baitursynuly, published in Kyzylorda in 1926; a copy of “Kyrgyz Alphabet Book ‘Uku-Kuraly’”, published in Tashkent in 1922, as well as more than 20 other rare publications.
“The Life of a Language — the Life of a Nation”
This section is dedicated to the scholarly and creative heritage of Akhmet Baitursynuly, the founder of Kazakh linguistics, reformer of the national writing system, and educator who made a significant contribution to the development of education and science.
The exhibition features the scholar’s works “Aqzhol,” “Til-Qural,” “Til Tagylymy,” “Selected Works,” “Forty Fables,” “Who Will Understand My Words,” “Memorial Lament,” and “Masa.” These publications hold a special place in the history of Kazakh science and national education.
The scholarly works and linguistic ideas of Akhmet Baitursynuly laid a strong foundation for the further development of Kazakh linguistics. His legacy is a spiritual treasure of the nation and an invaluable heritage passed on to future generations.
“Kazakh Linguistics: Science and Heritage”
This section presents the scholarly works of prominent researchers who made a significant contribution to the formation and development of Kazakh linguistics and its various fields.
Special attention is given to the research of M. Balakaev, Sh. Sarybayev, A. Amanzholov, I. Kenesbayev, S. Issayev, R. Syzdyk, Y. Mamanov, and other prominent Kazakh linguists.
The section also includes scholarly publications devoted to the grammar, lexicology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, orthography, terminology, language culture, and current issues of the modern Kazakh language.
“Scholars of KazNU: The Heights of Linguistic Science”
The final section of the exhibition is dedicated to the scholarly works of researchers of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in the fields of linguistics, philology, and literary studies.
This section demonstrates the continuity of scholarly schools established at the university, the contribution of KazNU scholars to the development of national philological science, and the importance of their academic heritage for a new generation of researchers.
The book exhibition is intended for the university’s faculty members, scholars, doctoral and master’s students, undergraduate students, library staff, and all readers interested in language and literature.
Language is a golden bridge that connects generations and preserves the spiritual bond between them. Preserving, developing, and respecting language is a shared responsibility of us all.
