What do Kazakhs call themselves? Understanding Kazakh Identity and Terminology
When you encounter someone from Kazakhstan, you might wonder what they call themselves. The most common and widely recognized term is Kazakh, which is also the name of their country.
However, delving deeper into the nuances of identity reveals a bit more than just a single word. It’s important to understand that the term "Kazakh" encompasses a rich history and a diverse population united by a shared culture, language, and heritage.
The Primary Term: Kazakh
The most straightforward and accurate answer to "What do Kazakhs call themselves?" is Kazakh (plural: Kazakhs). This term refers to the ethnic group native to the region of Kazakhstan and those who identify with its cultural and national heritage.
This is the term used in their own language, Qazaq (written in the Cyrillic alphabet as Қазақ). The pronunciation is similar to "kah-ZAHK."
For an American audience, sticking to "Kazakh" is perfectly acceptable and will be understood. It aligns with how other nationalities are commonly referred to in English, such as Americans, Russians, or Japanese.
Historical Context and Etymology
The origin of the word "Kazakh" itself is debated among scholars, but a prominent theory suggests it derives from the Turkic verb "qaz-" meaning "to roam," "to wander," or "to seek adventure." This meaning is thought to reflect the nomadic lifestyle of their ancestors.
Historically, the Kazakh people were nomadic pastoralists who roamed the vast steppes of Central Asia. This historical context is crucial to understanding their identity and the connotations associated with their name. They were a people who lived in motion, following their herds across expansive landscapes.
It's also worth noting that the term "Kazakh" has been used in historical documents and by various cultures for centuries. However, its consistent and formal application as the name of the people and the nation is more recent, particularly following the establishment of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Distinguishing between "Kazakh" and "Kazakhstani"
A common point of confusion for outsiders can be the difference between "Kazakh" and "Kazakhstani."
- Kazakh: This term refers specifically to the ethnic group, the indigenous people of Kazakhstan who share a common language and culture.
- Kazakhstani: This term refers to anyone who is a citizen of Kazakhstan, regardless of their ethnicity.
So, while all ethnic Kazakhs are likely Kazakhstani citizens (unless they have emigrated), not all Kazakhstani citizens are ethnic Kazakhs. Kazakhstan is a multinational country with a significant population of other ethnic groups, such as Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Tatars, and more. These individuals are Kazakhstani but would not refer to themselves as ethnic Kazakhs.
Therefore, when referring to the ethnic group, "Kazakh" is the correct term. When referring to a citizen of the country, "Kazakhstani" is appropriate.
For example, a person who is ethnically Russian but lives in and is a citizen of Kazakhstan would be a Kazakhstani citizen, not an ethnic Kazakh.
The Importance of Language
The Kazakh language, Qazaq tili (Қазақ тілі), is a Turkic language and the state language of Kazakhstan. While Russian is also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and in certain official capacities, the Kazakh language is central to Kazakh ethnic identity.
Learning or even acknowledging the native term, Qazaq, can be a sign of respect and deeper understanding for the culture.
Variations and Historical Designations
While "Kazakh" is the modern and dominant term, throughout history, there have been various ways the people and their ancestors were referred to by outsiders or in different contexts.
These include:
- Cossacks: It's important to clarify that the term "Cossack" (referring to the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe, particularly associated with military traditions) is a separate and distinct term from "Kazakh." While they share a similar sound and some historical overlap in geographic areas, they are different ethnic and cultural groups. The confusion is understandable due to the phonetic similarity.
- Kirghiz: In older Western and Russian literature, the term "Kirghiz" was sometimes used to refer to the Kazakhs, particularly the Kazakhs of the Great Horde. This was a historical misnomer that has since been corrected, with "Kirghiz" now exclusively referring to the distinct ethnic group of Kyrgyzstan.
- Qazaq-Kaiser: This was an archaic term sometimes used in European contexts, likely a transliteration that merged "Kazakh" with a descriptor.
For the average American reader, understanding these historical variations is less critical than grasping the primary term, but it can add valuable context to historical texts or discussions.
Self-Identification Today
Today, the vast majority of ethnic Kazakhs proudly identify themselves as Qazaq (Kazakh). This self-identification is strongly tied to their sovereignty and the independent nation of Kazakhstan.
The term is not just a label; it represents a deep sense of belonging, a shared history of resilience, and a vibrant cultural heritage that continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you pronounce "Kazakh"?
The pronunciation is generally "kah-ZAHK." The emphasis is on the second syllable. The "a" sounds are similar to the "a" in "father," and the "z" is a voiced "z" sound.
Why is the country called Kazakhstan?
The "-stan" suffix in many Central Asian country names is derived from Persian and means "land of" or "place of." Therefore, Kazakhstan literally means "Land of the Kazakhs."
Are all people from Kazakhstan Kazakh?
No. While ethnic Kazakhs are the largest ethnic group in Kazakhstan, the country is home to many other ethnicities. People from Kazakhstan are called "Kazakhstani," regardless of their ethnic background.
Is "Kazakh" the same as "Cossack"?
No, they are not the same. While the names sound similar and have some historical overlap in geographical regions, "Kazakh" refers to the Turkic ethnic group native to Kazakhstan, while "Cossack" refers to various East Slavic peoples who are known for their military traditions.
What is the difference between Qazaq and Kazakh?
These are essentially the same. "Qazaq" is the transliteration of the Kazakh word (Қазақ) for the Kazakh people. "Kazakh" is the English spelling and pronunciation. Both refer to the same ethnic group.
