Kazakhstan Not Yet Ready To Give Sign Language Official Status

Kazakhstan does not currently plan to recognize sign language at the legislative level, according to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov’s response to a parliamentary inquiry, Orda.kz reports.

The government said it had studied international practice and found that countries approach the issue differently. In some states, sign language is recognized through separate laws, while in others its use is regulated by sector-specific rules.

At the same time, Kazakhstan already has support measures for people with speech and hearing impairments. These include sign language interpretation, inclusive education, special social programs, and digital services. The government said particular attention is being paid to the use of artificial intelligence.

There are currently 4,576 children with hearing impairments in Kazakhstan. The country has schools and kindergartens for them, while universities train teachers for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

However, expanding sign language specialist services depends on funding. The government noted that a moratorium on additional funding for new social initiatives will remain in effect until the end of 2028.

Work in this area remains under the constant supervision of state bodies and the government,the document says.

Original author: Raushan Korzhumbekova

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