Transferring geographical names from foreign language into Kazakh language based on Latin script is an important task of the language reform

Abstract

The paper is dedicated to the problem of transferring foreign geographic names into the Kazakh language in accordance with the new Latin-script alphabet. The main purpose of the research work is to identify the basic principles of the transfer of exonyms, the search for the best possible solutions in transferring the names of
states, capitals of the world, cities, foreign physical and geographical names. The scientific and practical significance of the work lies in considering the phonetic and spelling norms of the Kazakh language, in the unification of the spelling of foreign language toponyms for further research in this field. This approach would
facilitate the compilation of cartographic products, the publication of toponymic dictionaries, reference books, textbooks, and, in general, the use of exonyms in the global information and communication space.
The research was carried out on the basis of the analysis of key spelling principles of homogeneous and heterogeneous languages. As a result of the analysis,  recommendations for transliteration of toponyms were developed, hypotheses and conclusions were proposed. The research contributes to the development of the main
provisions and principles of drawing up “the rules for the transfer of foreign-language geographical names into the Kazakh language based on the Latin script”. The proposed hypotheses and conclusions in the paper contribute to the development of optimal ways of solving problems related to transliteration, translation of foreign language toponyms, streamlining of onomastic activity in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and will expand the theoretical and regulatory framework of Kazakh onomastics.