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Friday, June 28, 2024

Streamlining Identity: How Kazakhstan is Centralizing Onomastic Work

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In a significant step towards enhancing cultural preservation and administrative efficiency, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan organized a regional seminar titled "Regional Onomastic Issues." The event brought together experts and officials to discuss key topics and share methodological recommendations, as announced by the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Key Topics Discussed

During the seminar, participants delved into several crucial areas, including:

  • Historical Figures: The significance of accurately documenting and preserving the names of historical figures was emphasized. This effort aims to ensure that future generations have a clear understanding of the nation's heritage.
  • Geographical Names: The seminar highlighted the importance of standardizing the names of places, rivers, and other geographical features. This standardization is essential for maintaining consistency across various platforms and official documents.
  • Traditional Names: The preservation of traditional names is crucial for maintaining cultural continuity and respecting the linguistic heritage of different ethnic groups within Kazakhstan.

Additionally, methodological guidelines were reviewed, incorporating recent changes and updates to enhance the accuracy and relevance of onomastic work.

Unifying Onomastic Names Across Platforms

A significant portion of the seminar focused on the challenges and strategies for unifying updated onomastic names with widely used maps (Yandex, 2GIS) and navigation systems. Ensuring that these platforms reflect the standardized names is essential for consistency and ease of use by the public. Discussions also covered the renaming of settlements and their components that bear ideologically outdated names, ensuring that the new names align with contemporary values and historical accuracy.

Collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development

The seminar underscored the need for close collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan. Addressing onomastic issues requires a coordinated approach to integrate updated names into digital platforms and navigation systems effectively.

Establishment of a Republican Working Group

In response to directives from the Head of State, the Ministry has established a republican working group. This group, comprising scientists from national institutes and staff from the central state archive, has undertaken significant measures in collaboration with local executive bodies. Vice Minister of Culture and Information, Yerbol Alikulov, noted that the working group has refined existing lists according to new recommendations, ensuring a comprehensive and sector-specific approach to onomastic work.

Recognition of Historical Figures and Places

The Ministry of Culture and Information has dedicated a section to historical figures, highlighting their contributions at the regional level. The comprehensive list includes 697 individuals, with 463 representing the national level and 234 the regional level. The seminar also reviewed the research collection "Sacred Kazakhstan," resulting in a list of over 100 historically significant locations. The total number of toponyms has now reached 502.

Proposals for Improvement

In conclusion, the seminar participants developed proposals to enhance the onomastic activities in the regions. These recommendations aim to improve the effectiveness of name standardization efforts, ensuring that they are both inclusive and reflective of Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The regional seminar on onomastic issues marks a significant milestone in Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts to standardize and preserve names. By addressing the challenges and leveraging collaboration across various ministries and platforms, Kazakhstan is taking important steps towards a more unified and efficient approach to onomastic work. This initiative not only streamlines administrative processes but also reinforces the nation's cultural identity and historical legacy.

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