Welcome to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan! I packed my bags from Toronto, Canada to move to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for 1.5 years. One of the first things I wanted to do to adapt to the local culture, is to learn the local languages. So, if you're looking to learn Russian or Kyrgyz, here are language courses that you can take.
WHAT ARE THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN KYRGYZSTAN?
Kyrgyzstan recognizes two official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian. Kyrgyz holds the status of the state language and is spoken across the country, especially in rural areas. On the other hand, the Russian language underscores the country's historical ties with Russia and the Soviet Union.
Government employees will be required to know the Kyrgyz language, however, one problem that the Kyrgyz government is seeing is the decreasing use of Kyrgyz, especially amongst the younger generation. I've heard that especially in urban areas such as the capital city of Bishkek, the younger generation only speaks Russian and may have no knowledge of the Kyrgyz language. Now, there are similarities between the two but it's unfortunate to see that it is slowly becoming a language that the younger generation is not using.
I had the decision to learn Kyrgyz or Russian and I decided on Russian. One is because it's commonly spoken in Bishkek which is where I lived, and Russian is one of the most globally spoken languages.
RUSSIAN LANGUAGE COURSES IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
1. Lingua Yurt
Lingua Yurt is a well-known language school located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, that specializes in teaching Russian, Kyrgyz, or Uzbek to non-native speakers. They offer various courses such as group or private, in-class or online, and for all skill levels. I took private 1:1 lessons in October 2022 with my teacher Mezgil, 3 lessons a week, a total of 12 lessons for a month. Each class was 90 minutes via Skype and I was able to create a schedule that worked for both of us. The total cost was USD 162 but they may have increased their price so I recommend you to visit their website for the latest information.
I took classes for a month and it was enough for me to learn the alphabet, read, and speak basic phrases and sentences. They offer more intensive courses for those who want to learn more quickly and cover topics ranging from grammar, listening, writing, and speaking. If I could take the courses again, I would've loved to learn in class but I was working remotely and my schedule was unpredictable.
Website: http://linguayurt.com/
2. American University of Central Asia
The American University of Central Asia (AUCA) is a well-known university in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and they offer Russian language courses. They even offer English, Kyrgyz, and Spanish language courses. The prices are in Kyrgyz soms and the duration is a bit longer with courses going from three to six months, however, I recommend you reach out to AUCA to learn more about their courses, schedules, and curriculum.
Website: https://www.auca.kg/en/cecstudents/
3. Private Tutors
If you join expat groups on Facebook, you'll find some tutors offering one-on-one or small group sessions that can be tailored to your specific needs. It may be a good way to start looking for available tutors or word-of-mouth recommendations within the expat community can also lead to finding qualified and experienced Russian language instructors. I have seen tutors offer to teach Kyrgyz or Russian in exchange for English lessons.
From structured classroom settings to immersive language experiences, finding the right fit for your learning journey involves exploring the many avenues this incredible city has to offer. I'm so proud of myself for still being able to read and understand Russian and hope to continue expanding my skills.
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