Language Teaching - The Times Of Central Asia

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Turkmenistan Unveils New English Textbook for 11th Grade Students

A new English language textbook for 11th-grade students has been introduced in Turkmenistan’s general education schools. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the textbook incorporates modern didactic principles and advanced teaching methods to enhance students' reading, writing, and speaking skills. It aligns with the national curriculum, providing students with improved opportunities to communicate effectively in English. The release of this textbook is part of Turkmenistan’s broader effort to modernize its education system. A key component of this effort is the Concept for Improving Foreign Language Education in Turkmenistan, a policy focused on integrating language learning at all educational stages. Drawing on both domestic and international best practices, the policy aims to elevate language instruction across the country. English language teaching in Turkmenistan has seen significant progress: • In January 2024, the first TESOL conference brought together 250 educators to exchange experiences and explore innovative teaching techniques. • In August 2024, the U.S. Embassy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, conducted workshops to enhance the professional skills of English teachers. • In November 2024, Turkmenistan and the UK held discussions on strengthening educational cooperation and improved educational services. Turkmenistan’s focus on advancing English language education reflects its commitment to integrating into the global educational framework and fostering international collaboration. These initiatives aim to equip students and educators with the tools needed to engage in a globalized world.

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Turkmenistan and UK Strengthen Cooperation in Education

The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting between Deputy Minister Azat Ataev and Sarah Chidgey, Regional Export Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, to discuss prospects for educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UK. Ms. Chidgey shared insights into the UK's experience in delivering quality education, citing successful examples in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where British universities, such as the University of Westminster, have actively sought to expand partnerships. During the meeting, the participants explored opportunities for British universities to offer educational services in Turkmenistan, including the accreditation of academic institutions to enhance secondary and higher education. Chidgey announced plans to hold the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council early next year, with educational cooperation set to be a key topic. The British delegation also expressed its readiness for more in-depth discussions at the World Education Forum, held annually in London. Ataev expressed interest in implementing the proposed initiatives and supported organizing webinars for Turkmen specialists. These webinars will focus on introducing Turkmen specialists to British educational standards and accreditation procedures and enhancing education quality. He emphasized that particular attention would be given to studying critical aspects of the British educational system to facilitate their successful adaptation and implementation in Turkmenistan. Both sides expressed confidence that this partnership would contribute to developing Turkmenistan's education system and creating new opportunities for students and teachers. In the long term, it is expected to support their integration into the global educational community. Great Britain actively cooperates with Central Asian countries in the field of education: Kazakhstan has the Kazakh-British Technical University, founded in 2001, which offers programs in partnership with British universities, and British universities are opening branches in Uzbekistan, giving local students access to British education. The British Council also runs the region's English language training and teacher development programs. In 2024, the British Foreign Secretary announced a new initiative to promote English in Central Asia by giving teachers access to online resources with local content.

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Italian University to Send its Professors to Turkmenistan

The Turkmen State University and the University of Perugia for Foreigners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The main areas of cooperation include introducing modern methods of teaching foreign languages and exchanging advanced pedagogical experience. Special attention will be paid to developing university relations, which involves exchanging curricula, programs, and methodological materials. Scientific publications and textbooks will also be exchanged, improving the quality of foreign language teaching in both educational institutions. A notable aspect of the agreement is the deployment of Italian language instructors from the University of Perugia to Turkmen State University. This initiative provides students with a unique opportunity to learn Italian directly from native speakers. The University of Perugia for Foreigners, founded in 1921, is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious universities. It is the only institution of higher education in the country that specializes in teaching the Italian language and culture to international students. Located in the picturesque city of Perugia, the university offers a wide range of programs, from language courses to full degree programs in Italian language and culture.

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Uzbek Teachers Highlight Rising Interest in English and Other Foreign Languages

Interest in learning foreign languages in Uzbekistan is growing year by year, with English proving by far, the most popular. The English language is taught in Uzbekistan's schools from the 1st to the 11th grade. More advanced classes are offered by colleges or universities and in an ever- increasing number of educational centers specializing in teaching English. Regarding young people's interest in the language, Abbas Khan Mekhmonaliev, a teacher at the “English Team” language learning center, told The Times of Central Asia: “There is much to admire when it comes to the new generation in Uzbekistan, especially their passion for learning English. In the past, many young people studied English primarily to meet university entrance requirements. However, times have changed. Today, young people are thinking more broadly: learning English is no longer just a stepping stone to an education that opens the door to a future career. Young Uzbeks dream of going abroad to visit and succeed, and English is key to opening up global opportunities. This focus is about more than just language proficiency; it is about a distant future in which their lives will be more prosperous, fulfilling, and globally connected." According to Mekhmonaliev, English dominates other languages, especially amongst ambitious young people who see their peers succeed abroad by mastering English. In addition, they see it as an essential step towards promoting and achieving international recognition for Uzbekistan. “Several factors are responsible for the growing interest in learning English among the youth of Uzbekistan," explained Mekhmonaliev."First, English is the key to good career opportunities at home and abroad, as many employers require English. Second, access to global information, culture, and education, mostly in English, encourages young people to learn languages. Finally, studying or working abroad has become more attractive, and English is an important tool for achieving these ambitions and broadening their horizons.” Reiterating this stance, Rano Jurakulova, with over ten years of teaching English, commented, “Due to international education opportunities, better job prospects, and the influence of globalization, more and more young people are eager to learn English.” According to UNESCO data, Uzbekistan ranked fifth globally in terms of the number of students studying abroad in 2021. In recent years, the number of people wishing to study and work in Turkey has risen significantly and as of September 2024, over 55 thousand citizens of Uzbekistan received a residence permit for the country. As a result, the demand for studying the Turkish language has also increased. Turkish language teacher, Mohinur Qurbonmuradova, connects the increase in the number of language learners with the requirement of a language certificate for enrolment in master’s and doctoral studies : “90% of students study the Turkish language for this purpose. It is easy and a language close to Uzbek. Learning English takes a little longer." However, aside from attaining the certificate, she adds that very few are interested in learning Turkish. For many, English is no longer just an academic requirement but a powerful tool that opens doors to global educational opportunities, employment,...

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Turkmenistan and American Language Schools Agree on Programs

Turkmenistan is taking active steps to establish international cooperation as part of its strategy to modernize its education system. Representatives of the Turkmen Education Ministry met with the leadership of the AC Language School from the United States. The American side took the initiative to develop unique educational programs specially adapted to the needs of the Turkmen labor market. The proposal's idiosyncrasy is the combination of international quality standards with the specifics of Turkmenistan's economic development. The proposed educational package includes programs in five strategic areas. International service standards and intercultural communication skills will be trained in the tourism sector. Courses in information technology, including advanced programming, 3D printing, and bioinformatics, will strengthen the technology sector. Special attention will be given to management training through MBA-level programs and training in renewable energy and clean technologies. The agro-industrial complex has also been addressed: courses on modern agribusiness and innovative agricultural product processing methods are envisaged. An important aspect of cooperation will be the introduction of an international certification system. This will allow program graduates to receive globally recognized documents, significantly increasing their competitiveness in the global labor market. Representatives of the AC Language School noted the great potential of the educational market of Turkmenistan and readiness for long-term cooperation.

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Tajikistan to Launch Foreign Language TV Channel

On September 1, in a speech dedicated to "Knowledge Day,' Tajik President Emomali Rahmon ordered the creation of a TV channel specializing in teaching children foreign languages. In his emphasis on the the need for a comprehensive approach to children's development, the president highlighted the importance of studying sciences, crafts, moral values, modern technologies, and mastering foreign languages. With regard to the latter, special attention will be paid to Russian and English, as well as other foreign languages, to better prepare young people for the modern challenges and demands of both domestic and foreign labor markets. The President also noted the importance of adapting educational programs to meet the current and future needs of these markets. The creation of a TV channel dedicated to teaching foreign languages is part of a broader government strategy to improve the country's educational standards and integration into the global community. Several languages are spoken in Tajikistan. Tajik (a form of Persian) is recognized as the official language, while Russian is recognized as an interethnic language. Uzbek is the third most commonly spoken language and minority languages include Kyrgyz, Yagnob, Parya, and various forms of Pamiri. The most popular foreign languages amongst students include English and Chinese.