Universiti Malaya To Offer Kazakh Language Course Next Semester

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaya (UM) is expected to offer a Kazakh language course starting from the next semester under its Faculty of Languages and Linguistics.

UM Faculty of Languages and Linguistics deputy dean (Undergraduate Studies) Dr Azlin Zaiti Zainal, said the programme is a collaboration with Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan, which will provide the teaching staff.

"The plan is to set up a Central Asian Studies programme at UM, which is still in the planning stages, and one of the courses under this programme will be the Kazakh language.

"Through this programme, we may offer three options: either as a faculty elective, a university language course, or a course buffet through the University of Malaya Centre for Continuing Education (UMCCed) for the public who are interested," she told Bernama after attending the Regional Qurultay of Kazakhs from Asian Countries, held here today.

Azlin Zaiti said that Eurasian National University is currently developing the syllabus that will be offered, along with the benefits that students will gain from studying the language.

"The Eurasian National University is still developing the course information, outlining what will be taught each week over a 14-week period, their learning outcomes, and the benefits for students who enrol in this course. If all goes as planned, we aim to offer it by the 2025 semester," she said.

She added that the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Malaysia has been of great assistance in ensuring that the establishment of the language programme is realised in the near future.

Kazakhstan Ambassador to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbayev said the partnership between Eurasian National University and UM is a significant step towards introducing the Kazakh language and the voices of Kazkh people to a broader audience in Malaysia.

“We are excited to explore the possibility of establishing Kazakh language courses and creating platforms where students from Malaysia and other countries in Southeast Asia can engage with and learn about Kazakhstan's culture, history, and language.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to UM for this exciting opportunity and are eager to work together to make this vision a reality because this collaboration is not only about promoting the Kazakh language but also about fostering greater understanding and appreciation for our culture.

“We also believe that by introducing Kazakh language and culture into the Malaysian academic landscape, we will open up new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange...this initiative will help strengthen the ties between our nations and contribute to greater regional cooperation within Southeast Asia,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA