Bilingual parenting in Kyrgyzstan: advantages and difficulties (a look at the problem through the prism of parental attitudes)

Abstract

Modern multilingualism in Kyrgyzstan is a unique phenomenon that is being shaped by ethnic diversity, globalization, and urbanization. The purpose of the study is to identify and systematize key parental attitudes and practices in bilingual parenting in Kyrgyzstan in order to assess their impact on the preservation of national and cultural identity and the choice of educational strategies. The analysis focuses on the sociolinguistic tactics of parents, including the choice of language of communication, educational trajectories and cultural practices, and its impact on the formation of national and cultural identity of children. The objectives of this study are to describe the demographic and sociolinguistic profile of participating families, analyze the dominant language practices and parents’ attitudes towards bilingualism, identify their strategies for supporting both languages, and compare the empirical data obtained with existing bilingual education programs to develop recommendations for their improvement. The survey method, which included parents of bilingual children of different nationalities, revealed preferences and dilemmas in language choice, including the balance between preserving their native language and the prospects of learning in Russian. The study showed that the majority of families have a positive attitude towards bilingualism, considering it as an advantage for cognitive development and social adaptation of children. However, they are also aware of the risks of losing their national and cultural roots. The results of the study emphasize the need to strengthen balanced language policy and educational initiatives for the uniform development of bilingual skills. It is also important to integrate cultural traditions and modern technologies into the process of bilingual education in order to ensure the harmonious development of personality in a multilingual society.