How is the globalization changing the Kazakhstani society, regarding the culture?
Aliya: Like everywhere else, people’s life style has changed a lot because of globalization mostly into western way. However, in Kazakhstan, the traditionalism is also expanding at the same time especially among the older generations. Young people are listening to pop music, wearing American brands and even changing the way of thinking. On the other hand, old people do not want to lose their identity as Kazakh people. Thus, they put emphasis on keeping the tradition in their lives. For example, Kazakh people as nomads have considered treating the guests as a very important part of their lives. Yet, as people move to the cities, people tend to be indifferent to each other. Counteracting on these trend, old generations are stressing on keeping the good side of nomadic tradition as far as they can. Q: What is special about cultural globalization in Kazakhstan? NGO worker: After the collapse of Soviet Union, I think the wide openness to globalization was possible in Kazakhstan owing to its
