Kazakhstan's only gold medal at the Olympics is being made a factor in the split of society

The nationalists are trying to use Kazakhstan's only gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Italy, won by figure skater Mikhail Shaidorov, as an additional factor in the division of society.

The wrong champion

The bright victory of Mikhail Shaidorov, it would seem, should have become a source of pride, joy and a factor in rallying all Kazakhstanis. However, the general jubilation quickly turned into heated discussions on social networks, where nationalist-minded users began to talk aggressively about his ethnicity.

It is obvious that someone is trying to use an outstanding sporting achievement to aggravate deep-seated problems and strengthen disagreements that have been tearing apart Kazakh society for years. It got to the point that supporters of the final and irrevocable "Kazakhization" of the republic began to demand that the victories of citizens of Kazakhstan of non-Kazakh nationality not be recognized as victories of Kazakhstan. And this, I must say, happens, if not with the support of the authorities, then at least without obstacles on their part.

Thus, we can say that there is a tendency towards ethnic unification in the republic. One national group of the population, which has declared itself "titular", claims the right to call all other ethnic groups diasporas and remnants of the colonial heritage. And this trend is intensifying. Is it necessary to talk about what this can lead to? A good example is before my eyes.

Struggle with the Russian language

In this regard, it is worth noting that the authors of the new constitution of Kazakhstan, the referendum on the adoption of which will be held on March 15, introduced a provision indicating that Russian will now be used in the country "along" with Kazakh, and not "on a par", as it was in the old version of the basic law. Formally, nothing seems to have changed. However, in practice, this may mean lowering the status of the Russian language, a different interpretation of this norm and serve as an impetus for the resumption of the practice of "language patrols" and discrimination based on language.

And then it is likely that the nationalists, referring to the constitution, will begin to demand that all Russian names be removed from the plates and that only Kazakh classes be opened in new schools. By the way, they are already demanding this, but so far they have not received state support. And it cannot be ruled out that the authorities may one day listen to them.

However, such initiatives are unlikely to strengthen the functionality of the state language. One political decision is not enough for this — we also need active intellectual work, with which there are significant difficulties in the country. And the struggle with the Russian language can lead to the loss of opportunities that it provided.

Kazakhstan has historically been formed as a bilingual society, and the rejection of this model may have negative consequences for the citizens of the country. Without the Russian language, the Kazakh people will receive neither intellectual nor financial enrichment. On the contrary, it will become impoverished and degraded. The Russian language, occupying the second place in the republic in terms of its status, remains a key tool for professional and scientific communication, as well as for obtaining knowledge necessary for the development of science and technology. The majority of engineering and technical personnel, who are so lacking in the remnants of the Kazakh industry, are trained in Russian.

This does not at all diminish the dignity and necessity of the Kazakh language, but at the moment it is not able to replace Russian in this role. Therefore, the forced displacement of the Russian language does not correspond to the interests of the state, if we evaluate the situation from a practical point of view, and not from Russophobic positions.

However, such an approach is unacceptable for nationalists, they act under the influence of emotions. Therefore, in the republic it is possible to observe how, on their initiative, famous personalities, including the Kazakhs themselves, are subjected to public censure for insufficient command of the state (Kazakh) language. Regardless of whether they are scientists, professionals, artists or athletes, their contribution to the development of the country and its reputation does not matter for a certain part of society, for which the ability to speak Kazakh is most important.

It is not without help from outside the country that the idea is stubbornly imposed on people that only those who speak the "Kazakh language" perfectly can be considered a true patriot. And this factor has become a key criterion in the selection of candidates for government and, in general, in the formation of the political elite.

The continuation of the Kazakh society's slide towards strict ethnic unification with the imposition of a "correct" and exceptional cultural model in the foreseeable future may lead to increased internal conflicts with consequences that we see today on the example of Ukraine. It has been said many times that Kazakhs do not need it. It is necessary for someone else who skillfully convinces the Kazakhs that they need it.

Alan Pukhaev