Professional Multilingualism in Intercultural Business Communication of Kazakhstan
This study examines the role of multilingualism in intercultural business communication among professionals in Kazakhstan, where business discourse reflects a unique combination of language planning, individual competencies, and integration of traditions with modern economic demands. Shaped by globa...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journalism and Media |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5172/6/1/44 |
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| author | Aliya Aimoldina Damira Akynova |
| author_facet | Aliya Aimoldina Damira Akynova |
| author_sort | Aliya Aimoldina |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study examines the role of multilingualism in intercultural business communication among professionals in Kazakhstan, where business discourse reflects a unique combination of language planning, individual competencies, and integration of traditions with modern economic demands. Shaped by globalization, historical influences, and geopolitical factors, Kazakhstan’s business communication is characterized by the use of Kazakh, Russian, and English, along with other foreign languages. Using semi-structured interviews with 19 business professionals from 13 companies, the study examines multilingual practices, language learning processes, and the impact of cultural factors on workplace interactions. Findings reveal that Kazakh, Russian, and English serve distinct functions in professional settings: Kazakh, as the state language, is gaining prominence in the business sphere, particularly in official documentation and government-mandated communication; Russian remains dominant in private and regional business interactions; and English is indispensable for international business. While proficiency in multiple languages facilitates overcoming intercultural barriers, differences in negotiation styles, non-verbal communication, and decision-making processes highlight the need for cultural flexibility in business settings. The study underscores the necessity of implementing well-structured and context-sensitive language policies while advocating for the integration of professional multilingual training into educational curricula to bridge the gap between academic preparation and workplace demands. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how multilingualism shapes professional identity, workforce mobility, and intercultural competence in Kazakhstan’s increasingly globalized business landscape. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e9a5f285c40545969483f74b6db2cff8 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2673-5172 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journalism and Media |
| spelling | doaj-art-e9a5f285c40545969483f74b6db2cff82025-08-20T02:42:32ZengMDPI AGJournalism and Media2673-51722025-03-01614410.3390/journalmedia6010044Professional Multilingualism in Intercultural Business Communication of KazakhstanAliya Aimoldina0Damira Akynova1Department of Theory and Practice of Foreign Languages, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, KazakhstanDepartment of Theory and Practice of Foreign Languages, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, KazakhstanThis study examines the role of multilingualism in intercultural business communication among professionals in Kazakhstan, where business discourse reflects a unique combination of language planning, individual competencies, and integration of traditions with modern economic demands. Shaped by globalization, historical influences, and geopolitical factors, Kazakhstan’s business communication is characterized by the use of Kazakh, Russian, and English, along with other foreign languages. Using semi-structured interviews with 19 business professionals from 13 companies, the study examines multilingual practices, language learning processes, and the impact of cultural factors on workplace interactions. Findings reveal that Kazakh, Russian, and English serve distinct functions in professional settings: Kazakh, as the state language, is gaining prominence in the business sphere, particularly in official documentation and government-mandated communication; Russian remains dominant in private and regional business interactions; and English is indispensable for international business. While proficiency in multiple languages facilitates overcoming intercultural barriers, differences in negotiation styles, non-verbal communication, and decision-making processes highlight the need for cultural flexibility in business settings. The study underscores the necessity of implementing well-structured and context-sensitive language policies while advocating for the integration of professional multilingual training into educational curricula to bridge the gap between academic preparation and workplace demands. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how multilingualism shapes professional identity, workforce mobility, and intercultural competence in Kazakhstan’s increasingly globalized business landscape.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5172/6/1/44multilingualismprofessional multilingualismbusiness communicationintercultural communicationKazakhstanworkplace discourse |
| spellingShingle | Aliya Aimoldina Damira Akynova Professional Multilingualism in Intercultural Business Communication of Kazakhstan Journalism and Media multilingualism professional multilingualism business communication intercultural communication Kazakhstan workplace discourse |
| title | Professional Multilingualism in Intercultural Business Communication of Kazakhstan |
| title_full | Professional Multilingualism in Intercultural Business Communication of Kazakhstan |
| title_fullStr | Professional Multilingualism in Intercultural Business Communication of Kazakhstan |
| title_full_unstemmed | Professional Multilingualism in Intercultural Business Communication of Kazakhstan |
| title_short | Professional Multilingualism in Intercultural Business Communication of Kazakhstan |
| title_sort | professional multilingualism in intercultural business communication of kazakhstan |
| topic | multilingualism professional multilingualism business communication intercultural communication Kazakhstan workplace discourse |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5172/6/1/44 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT aliyaaimoldina professionalmultilingualismininterculturalbusinesscommunicationofkazakhstan AT damiraakynova professionalmultilingualismininterculturalbusinesscommunicationofkazakhstan |