Communicative Barriers and Stereotypical Representations in the Interactions of Intracultural Groups within the Same Ethnicity with Different Dominant Languages of Communication: A Case Study of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Purpose. In Kazakhstan, there exists a problem of societal division based on language. Despite a gradual shift towards the use of the Kazakh language in society, there are latent processes where a significant portion of the urban population in Kazakhstan is represented by Russian-speaking Kazakhs. The aim of this research is a comparative analysis of the concept of ethno-communication stereotypes, aimed at identifying the specificity of stereotypes within one ethnic group. Methods. The research employed the method of free descriptions to determine intra-group auto- and hetero-stereotypes, content analysis, as well as the “barriers” diagnostic method by V.V. Boyko to identify obstacles in establishing emotional contacts. The survey involved 208 Kazakh students, with 104 participants each from Kazakh-speaking Kazakh students and Russian-speaking students of Kazakh ethnicity. Results. The survey results showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of unwillingness to emotionally connect with people. Kazakh-speaking and Russian-speaking subgroups demonstrated the different level of unwillingness to establish emotional connections (T_empirical = 4.908). Auto- and hetero-stereotypes of one ethnic group were also studied with a division based on language. There is a duality in stereotypes based on the idea of "personal qualities of a typical Kazakh who speaks only Kazakh, such as “composed” and “relaxed”, “responsible” and “irresponsible”, “restrained” and “impulsive”. Both groups endowed the Kazakh-speaking group with characteristics indicating warmth in relationships and ethical qualities aimed at strengthening interpersonal relations. The qualities of the Russian-speaking group were directed towards the development of personal qualities. This perspective is shared not only by members of their groups but also by members of the other group, to whom they attributed qualities. Conclusions. These results have practical implications for research in the field of ethnolinguistics and linguaculturology, as the complex interaction of stereotypes, culture, language, and emotions within one ethnic group has been demonstrated.