History

Until 2018, the Department of Foreign Philology was part of the Department of Foreign Philology and Translation Studies. In 2018, it became an independent department. Over the years, the department has been led by: • PhD, Associate Professor Tsai E.N., • Doctor of Philology, Professor Isina G.I., • Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor Kakzhanova F.A. In 2013, a cooperation agreement was signed with Shihezi University (PRC), and the first students from China began studying at KarGU. In 2017, the first cohort graduated from the programme 6B02303.1 “Foreign Philology (Chinese)”. Educational Programmes The department implements modern educational programmes aimed at training highly qualified specialists in language, literature, and intercultural communication. Bachelor's Programmes The bachelor's programmes focus on developing a strong linguistic and philological foundation, analytical thinking, and practical skills in working with texts: • 6B02303 “Foreign Philology (English)” • 6B02303.1 “Foreign Philology (Chinese)” Master's Programme The master's programme provides advanced professional and research training: • 7M02301 “Foreign Philology” Academic Disciplines The curricula meet modern philology requirements and include both theoretical and practice-oriented courses. In the Bachelor's programme: Courses develop professional language competence and skills in text analysis and editing: Business Foreign Language, Literature of the Target Language Country, Literary Editing, Linguistic Text Analysis, Stylistics, Philological Analysis of Literary Texts and etc. In the Master's programme: Courses focus on developing research and analytical skills: Foreign Language (Professional), Academic Scientific Writing, Innovations in Linguistics and Literary Studies, Contemporary Methodology of Foreign Philology Studies, Value Dominants of Contemporary English Literature and etc. Courses for Other Programmes The department also provides language and intercultural training for students of other faculty programmes. These courses broaden students’ horizons, develop communication skills, and form intercultural competence. Courses include: Fundamentals of Language Theory, Literature of the Target Language Country, Theory and Practice of Intercultural Communication, Second Foreign Language (Chinese). Language Training The faculty ensures comprehensive mastery of foreign languages, combining practical use with theoretical preparation. Students study a primary foreign language as well as a second foreign language, which is mandatory from the second year. The choice of the second language is based on students’ interests and professional goals, with both European and Eastern languages available. This approach equips students with the competences required for international work environments and intercultural communication. Academic Mobility The department actively encourages student participation in academic mobility programmes, providing opportunities to study abroad and exchange experience with international universities. Students have studied at: • Anshan Normal University (PRC); • Shenyang Normal University (PRC); • Shihezi University (PRC); • Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University (Russia); • Tomsk State Pedagogical University (Russia); • Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland); • Babeș-Bolyai University (Romania). Participation in these programmes helps students develop professional and language skills, adapt to new cultural and educational standards, and expand professional networks internationally. Faculty The department prides itself on a faculty that combines high professionalism, extensive experience, and international practice. Lecturers have experience both in Kazakhstan and abroad, with many completing internships at foreign universities and exchanging advanced teaching and research methods. Notable faculty members include: • Doctor of Philology, Professor Isina G.I. – “Best University Lecturer” • Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor Kakzhanova F.A. – “Best University Lecturer” • Omarova A.M., Bolashak scholarship alumna This team ensures high-quality teaching and develops students’ professional and research skills to a global standard. Research Activities The department actively conducts research in cognitive and functional-pragmatic analysis of language in professional communication. Under the supervision of: • Doctor of Philology, Professor Isina G.I. • Doctor of Philology, Professor Buketova N.I. • Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor Kakzhanova F.A. • PhD Zhuman A.K. research projects are implemented, funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and internal university grants. These projects contribute to the development of modern methodologies and new directions in linguistics and literary studies. International Grants and Joint Programmes The department actively develops international collaboration and engages students and faculty in grant programmes. In 2024, senior lecturer Omarova A.M. received an educational grant from Hong Kong Baptist University for the Translation Studies doctoral programme. Additionally, under the master's programme 7M02301 “Foreign Philology”, the department implements a joint programme with Nizami Uzbek National Pedagogical University (Uzbekistan), providing students with unique international academic and research opportunities. Guest Lectures and Workshops The department organises guest lectures and workshops by foreign professors: • Ponomareva A.V. (UCL, London) – Literary Theory / Translation Theory; • Dr. Rab Nawaz Lodhi (Central Punjab University, Pakistan) – Qualitative Research Design. Publications and Achievements Faculty members annually publish their research in high-ranking journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (Isina G.I., Kakzhanova F.A., Kitibayeva A.K., Buketova N.I., Zhuman A.Q., Palina A.A., Beisembayeva A.U., Mukanova D.E., Adamidi A.D.). They also publish in journals recommended by SHEQAC. The department systematically develops monographs and textbooks for taught courses. Professional Development and International Cooperation Faculty members regularly attend professional development courses conducted by international lecturers, enhancing competence and developing international scientific collaboration. Within this framework, lecturers from KarNRU, ChSPU, NSPU, and SamSIFL organise and conduct international olympiads and research competitions. Student Opportunities Students also have the opportunity to study for free on international platforms such as Huawei and Coursera, allowing them to develop modern skills, deepen their knowledge in languages, linguistics, and literature, and obtain certificates that enhance employability. Research and Educational Activities The department organises various research and educational activities for students’ comprehensive development, including masterclasses, workshops, scientific conferences, round tables, and clubs of interest. The goal is not only to deepen professional knowledge but also to develop communication, analytical, and research skills, as well as leadership qualities. Through active research and educational work, students participate in international projects, research competitions, and olympiads, enhancing their competitiveness and preparing for successful academic, educational, and professional careers.