Tatar-Kazakh language contacts in the east Kazakhstan region

Abstract

The Tatar diaspora living in the East Kazakhstan region has unique cultural and linguistic characteristics, which was formed on the basis of centuries of contact of the Tatar and Kazakh languages. The results of these contacts are reflected both in the structure of the language and the ethnic culture of the Tatars. Objective of this paper is to demonstrate the uniqueness of the language of Tatar people living in the East Kazakhstan region. In 2015, during an expedition to East Kazakhstan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in particular, to such major cities as Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey (Semipalatinsk), Zheskent village Bashkul, Akkulsk village etc. the collection and analysis of material were organized. Ethno-cultural lexicon was selected as the object of the analysis. We have collected and analyzed also the actual scientific data by using the descriptive method. Historical and comparative analysis allowed us clearly trace the lexical and semantic transformation of lexical structure, the statistical method - to reveal the degree of activity of this lexical group among the population. As a result of our analysis, we have concluded that the language of the diaspora of Tatars living in the East Kazakhstan region the influence of Kazakh language is observed at all levels of linguistic structure. It is shown most clearly on the lexical level. Despite the growing influence of the Kazakh language, Tatars still retain the uniqueness of their native language.