The development of the Kazakh language is not only the responsibility of linguists and philologists. It is a guarantee of the country’s cultural security and economic development. By directing AI technologies toward the Kazakh language, we can preserve our language and strengthen its position in the digital space.
In recent years, significant work has been carried out in this direction in our country. For example, the KAZ LLM language model developed by Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence is capable of processing text, translation, and content generation in the Kazakh language. At the same time, the “National Vocabulary Fund” project initiated by the state is a major step that enables the recognition and use of the Kazakh language in AI systems.
AI can fundamentally transform the process of learning and teaching the Kazakh language. Currently, virtual assistants for language learners, personalized learning platforms, and automated assessment systems are being introduced. For example, AI can analyze educational materials in the Kazakh language and offer an individual learning trajectory for each student. This is especially a great opportunity for rural schools and distance learners.
In this direction, the “Digital Kazakh Language” specialty opened at 91传媒 Kazakh National University is also of great importance. In this program, students learn ways to preserve the vitality of the language, develop it in the digital environment, and adapt it to AI systems. There are relevant disciplines such as “Kazakh Language and Artificial Intelligence,” “Development Trends of Digital Philology,” and others. This will undoubtedly become a key mechanism for making the Kazakh language fully accessible in AI systems in the future.
Now, it should be noted that in order to increase the weight of the Kazakh language in the digital space, concrete and simple steps are needed. Let us consider some of them:
• Creation of a Kazakh-language database
It should include books, articles, radio programs, audio and video content, and be available on an open platform.
• Maintaining linguistic standards and orthographic consistency
Currently, in Kazakh publications, several variants of one word are often used simultaneously, and punctuation also varies. This issue can be solved through AI. An AI-based spelling-check system can indicate the correct spelling of words. For this, modern large language models must be trained on Kazakh orthographic rules.
• Supporting producers of high-quality Kazakh-language content
Introducing grant and reward systems would be beneficial to increase Kazakh-language content on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.
• Preserving cultural and local linguistic features
AI should be trained not only on the formal language, but also on dialects and colloquial speech. This will preserve the natural and national character of the language.
• Public participation and open data sources
If an open linguistic platform is created where anyone can upload Kazakh-language texts, recordings, and videos, the language database will grow rapidly. At the same time, a system is needed to monitor or verify the correctness of each piece of content.
However, there are also challenges in developing AI and language technologies:
• Limited amount of Kazakh-language texts and data;
• Shortage of specialists who are proficient in both AI and linguistics;
• The need to preserve cultural and ethical norms — it is important not to lose the natural tone of the language during automation.
To solve these issues, the state, universities, and IT companies need to jointly form a “Language and Technology” ecosystem. Such cooperation will ensure the vitality of the language in the digital era.
In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that artificial intelligence is not a threat, but a great opportunity for the future of the Kazakh language. If we timely utilize the vast capabilities of AI and adapt them to develop various sectors, the innovative image of our country will also be strengthened. The use of AI for the development of the Kazakh language will undoubtedly open up economic opportunities. Language technologies developed in Kazakh (chatbots, automated document processing, translation systems) can become a new market for startups and the IT sector. This, in turn, will contribute to the development of the digital economy in Kazakhstan.
