The Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, has adopted a sweeping package of 18 bills that overhaul the country’s language policy. The new measures significantly curtail the use of Russian, the official language, across key sectors including education, healthcare, the judiciary, and administrative processes. The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from both experts and the wider public.
According to the government, the changes are necessary to align existing laws with the constitutional provisions on the state language, Kyrgyz. All 18 bills passed through parliament in a single session comprising three readings. They now await the signature of President Sadyr Japarov.
Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu emphasized the urgency of the reforms, warning that the Kyrgyz language is in a “dangerous” state.
“Many of us have children and grandchildren who do not speak Kyrgyz. This is shameful. If we continue to neglect our state language, we risk losing our national identity,” he said.
Sweeping Language Reforms
The adopted laws stipulate that individuals who do not speak Kyrgyz will be barred from holding a wide range of public positions, including parliamentary seats, government posts, judicial and prosecutorial roles, and employment at the National Bank.
The legislation mandates Kyrgyz-language proficiency exams for students at the point of admission and grade-level advancement in schools and kindergartens. Public signage, geographic names, and announcements must now appear in Kyrgyz first, with Russian and other languages allowed only as supplementary. All notarized contracts must be drafted in Kyrgyz, with translation into other languages permitted only when necessary. State institutions, including medical facilities, must maintain records exclusively in Kyrgyz.
Mounting Concerns
Some lawmakers have voiced concerns over the practicality of these reforms. The deputy Gulya Kozhokulova cautioned that insufficient development of medical terminology in Kyrgyz could jeopardize patient safety due to potential errors in diagnoses and prescriptions.
MP Dastan Bekeshev highlighted risks to citizens unfamiliar with Kyrgyz when handling legally binding documents, such as loan agreements. Under the new regulations, initial violations of language norms will result in warnings, with repeat offenses drawing fines of up to 17,000 KGS (approximately $200).
Public Backlash
The legislation has triggered a wave of criticism on social media and among civil society groups. At a roundtable hosted by the Oi Ordo Center for Expert Initiatives, participants asserted that the measures infringe on the rights of at least 1.5 million citizens. An open letter urging President Japarov to reject the legislation was submitted by members of the public, academia, and Bishkek City Council.
“Most of the amendments initiated by the National Commission on the State Language lack public backing and have sparked criticism for sharply limiting the use of Russian in socially vital sectors,” the letter stated.
Expert Commentary
Speaking to The Times of Central Asia, Igor Shestakov, director of the Oi Ordo Center, warned that the amendments contain internal contradictions and ultimately undermine the Kyrgyz language’s development.
“These measures primarily restrict the use of Russian. If implemented, they will have far-reaching consequences for banking, legal services, and education, affecting daily life and bureaucratic procedures. It’s unclear how signage and geographic naming will be handled, particularly given Kyrgyzstan’s tourism ambitions,” Shestakov said.
He also expressed concerns over migration, noting that foreign specialists seeking residence permits would need to prove Kyrgyz language proficiency.
“No one disputes the importance of promoting Kyrgyz, but these laws address symptoms rather than causes. Real support begins with quality education. Currently, there’s a shortage of teachers, poor salaries, and a lack of systemic investment. Instead, we’re seeing punitive measures,” he said.
Electoral and Ethnic Implications
A particularly contentious provision mandates the use of Kyrgyz in all political campaigning. According to Shestakov, this could disenfranchise ethnic minorities.
“Kyrgyzstan is home to more than 80 ethnic groups. These restrictions could undermine their political participation,” he noted.
Shestakov also alleged that commercial interests, particularly translation agencies, may have influenced the legislative process for profit.
“It appears these businesses played a key role in advancing the bill,” he claimed.
Multiple civil society organizations have called for the legislation to be revised and resubmitted for public consultation.
Diplomatic Discrepancies
The domestic debate contrasts starkly with recent diplomatic overtures. During a recent visit to Moscow, Japarov met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who praised Kyrgyzstan for maintaining Russian’s official status and fostering educational collaboration.
“There are currently 200 Russian teachers working in 43 schools across Kyrgyzstan, with plans to expand this network,” Putin noted.
Under the Kyrgyz Constitution, Kyrgyz is the state language while Russian holds official status. In practice, Russian remains the dominant language of interethnic communication. Independent surveys indicate that 25-30% of citizens use Russian daily, with the percentage exceeding 50% in urban areas.
