Kazakh-language books surge to 10 percent in city shops, is it enough?
- In the last five years, over 12,761 Kazakh-language books have been registered.
- Kazakh-language book market share has increased from less than 1 percent to around 10 percent.
- The growth in Kazakh-language publishing highlights a cultural resurgence, but challenges like government support and literacy persist.
Kazakhstan has witnessed a revival in its Kazakh-language publishing industry, reflecting a significant cultural shift regarding literature and education. Over the past five years, the National Library has registered more than 12,761 Kazakh-language books, showing a drastic increase from less than 1 percent of the total book market two decades ago to roughly 10 percent today. In the last year alone, 4,012 Kazakh-language books were published, amounting to a total circulation of over 4.2 million copies. This resurgence is fueled by various publishers who aim to not only promote Kazakh-language literature but also translate global knowledge into the language to keep pace with technological and intellectual advancements. Despite this growth, challenges remain, particularly the fluctuating government support for publishing and the literacy rates among the population, which may impact broader access and appreciation for these works. One of the most notable achievements in this sector is the translation of popular series such as Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia into Kazakh, underscoring the public's desire to engage with contemporary international literature. Furthermore, while traditional works by Kazakh poets and writers see strong sales, the push for contemporary translations reflects a determination to bridge cultural gaps and revitalize interest in both historical and modern Kazakh-language literature.