Kazakhstan's shift from the Cyrillic to the Latin alphabet is a major modernization effort. It aims to align the Kazakh language with global standards. The process began in the 1990s.
In 2017, then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced the "Kazakhstan 2050" strategy. The goal was full Latin script adoption by 2025.
The initial plan faced public criticism. A new Latin alphabet version was developed in 2021, but not yet officially adopted.
In 2023, a draft media law proposed increasing Kazakh language use. It mandated a rise in state language content on TV and radio from 50% to 70%, starting in 2025, with a 5% annual increase.
As of July 2025, full Latin alphabet implementation is delayed. The government now targets completion between 2023 and 2031.
Delays stem from financial constraints and the need for public education. The 2018 cost estimate for the Latinization project was around $664 million, covering education and new textbooks.
The Latinization of the Kazakh language remains a government priority. It reflects a desire for national identity and reduced Russian influence. The process continues to evolve.