Methodological-theoretical Foundations for Teaching the Lexicon of the Mamluk Kipchak Language

Abstract

The Kazakh language has a long history of development. An important place in the formation and evolution of the language is occupied by the Kipchak period. The Kipchak language is a historical language that was widely used across Eurasia during the Middle Ages. One of the most evident proofs that the Kazakh language was formed on the basis of the Kipchak language is its lexical stock. At present, Kazakh linguistics is showing increasing interest in the study of the Kipchak period in the history of the language. Written monuments of the Kipchak language have been preserved in various geographical regions and are represented in different
writing systems. This was closely connected with the historical, cultural, military, and economic influence of the Kipchaks. Due to historical circumstances, the Kipchaks who migrated exerted significant influence in their new places of settlement, which led to the creation of scholarly works and literary texts in the Kipchak language. Works translated into the Kipchak language have also been preserved. The majority of these texts were produced in Egypt during the period of dominance of the Mamluk Kipchaks. In terms of content, these texts cover a wide range of thematic areas and were recorded using Arabic script. In Kazakh linguistics, systematic efforts are being made to classify written monuments related to the Kipchaks, as well as to translate and analyze them. Despite the fact that research covers an extensive time span and a wide range of issues, written monuments in the Kipchak language have not yet been fully studied. Some sources have been comprehensively examined, whereas others have only been addressed within the framework of individual articles and review studies. There are also monuments that are known only by name but have not been studied, as well as sources whose whereabouts remain unknown. Introducing these materials into scholarly circulation
will contribute to enriching the history of the Kazakh literary language with new factual data. The scientific and educational significance of studying Kipchak heritage is increasing for future specialists in Kazakh linguistics, as well as for students in higher-education institutions within the framework of elective courses. Traditionally, the teaching of the Kazakh language has been largely limited to a structural-linguistic perspective. Written monuments of the Kipchak language make it possible to gain a deeper understanding of the historical phonetic, grammatical, and lexical systems of the Kazakh language. In the process of studying the vocabulary of Kipchak monuments preserved in Arabic script, a number of pressing issues are identified. Addressing these issues requires systematic scholarly work and the presentation of Kipchak lexicon recorded in Arabic writing to the academic community. The vast majority of lexical units of the Kipchak language have been preserved in the modern Kazakh language. The Kipchak language is not only the historical foundation of the Kazakh language but also one of the key factors in its formation. By substantiating the relevance of the topic, the article analyzes the methodological and theoretical foundations for teaching the vocabulary of historical texts as an elective course for students of language-related specialties in higher-education institutions
and for school students. Based on the results of the study, scientifically grounded conclusions are drawn and practical recommendations are provided.