Kyrgyz is Logic. Victoria Krinwald on How to Quickly Learn the State Language
In her interview for 24.kg, she shared tips that will help quickly master the state language.
Photo 24.kg. Victoria Krinwald
— Victoria, tell us how you managed to learn the Kyrgyz language and why you decided to teach others?
— I was born in Kazakhstan and attended a Kazakh school until the fifth grade. My environment — neighbors and friends — helped me quickly start speaking Kazakh, which is known to be close to Kyrgyz.
When I turned 10, we moved to Kyrgyzstan. At first, I had difficulties; sometimes I confused the two languages, but soon I learned.
Learning English also came relatively easy to me. At 17-18, I started teaching English to children, and later decided to try teaching Kyrgyz. I posted an ad, and soon I had my first students. We worked with school textbooks, did homework, and translated texts, which became a good experience for me.
Now I am studying in the correspondence department of Kyrgyz philology and want to delve deeper into this field, not just get a diploma.
Photo Victoria Krinwald
— How does your methodology differ from the traditional one?
— I try to explain the Kyrgyz language by comparing it with Russian, using accessible language. I put myself in the students' shoes and think about how I would like things to be explained to me.
In the Russian language, there are prepositions like "without." In the Kyrgyz language, there is no separate preposition, but there are affixes that convey this meaning. For example, "tea without sugar" in Kyrgyz sounds like "chai kantsyz."
Honestly, I never thought I would create my own textbook, but I always had ideas and made notes. That's how my textbook came about, which includes tables of verbs and adjectives. I try to explain simply and visually so that students do not face difficulties, as learning a language is a complex process.
For me, the Kyrgyz language is logic; it has clear formulas and structures that can be memorized from the first lesson. I teach students not phrases but logic so that they can formulate sentences independently. When you study a language through constructive aspects, it becomes more interesting.
— Who do you find it more interesting to work with — children or adults?
— Many children come to me for help with their homework, especially during the pandemic. I remember parents calling and saying their children were getting bad grades, which affected their performance.
At first, I focused on completing homework, but soon realized that it wasn't very beneficial. Then I decided to create a Telegram channel where I started sharing words, simple phrases, conducting quizzes, and tests. Adults also showed interest and began to learn and explain to children.
I find it more interesting to work with adults. They leave comments and questions about the lessons, and I delve deeper into the topic, which generates new ideas. Adults are motivated to learn the language and understand its value.
— Who are your students? Are there any medical professionals or educators among them who need to know the language?
— I have students from various professions. Many of them come not out of obligation but because they understand that the language can be mastered if its structure and logic are understood. Some have lived in Kyrgyzstan for decades and decide to learn the language simply because they are interested.
— What usually prevents people from starting to speak — fear, shyness, or something else?
— Everyone has their own reasons. Perhaps someone hasn't thought about it before or feels shy. Sometimes you ask something in Kyrgyz from a seller, and they laugh. It's not because of mistakes, but because it's unusual for them. I have faced this myself when I asked a driver to stop at a bus stop. He laughs but at the same time praises my knowledge of the language.
I am sure that one should not be shy; one needs to practice more. Mistakes are normal; that's how foreign languages are learned. And if someone laughs, just smile back.
— How much time is needed to start speaking at a basic level?
— Learning a language requires time, effort, and patience. If a student attends classes three times a week for an hour, that is not enough. It may take a year or more to reach a basic level in that period. But if a person additionally reads literature, watches movies, listens to music, and practices conversations, the process will speed up.
I recommend listening to songs. I went through this myself and fell in love with Kyrgyz music. Kyrgyz in songs sounds different and very beautiful.
Many students, after leaving my lessons, begin to notice signs around the city, hear familiar words, and this stimulates their desire to speak. Of course, success depends on individual abilities and memory.
We also have a conversation club for those who want to practice more. We help develop confidence and overcome shyness.
I do not conduct classes alone; several teachers work in the team, including my sister. They all apply my methodology.
— You conducted free Kyrgyz courses. How is the project going?
— I held free courses for a year; I had three groups, and I traveled to different districts of the city. I worked with pleasure, and there was not enough space. I still have enthusiasm, but opportunities have become fewer. Like many adults, I have my own concerns — family, daily life, which require time. Therefore, I temporarily suspended the project but continue to run a free Telegram channel with useful information.
— How to maintain interest in learning the language over a long period?
— Here, everything is individual and depends on a person's goals. Perhaps for someone, it is enough to take a few courses. The more interesting the lesson is, the more motivation the student has not to miss classes.
In fact, it is possible to learn a language. Kyrgyz is logical, with clear structures and formulas, which makes the learning process engaging. For example, retirees come to courses for communication and combine the useful with the pleasant. For them, it is an opportunity to distract from everyday routine and spend time interestingly in company.
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