Seemingly harmless: what word should not be said in Kyrgyzstan - respect the locals

25.07.2024 14:18

Planning a visit to Kyrgyzstan? Know that you will surely enjoy your stay in this Central Asian country.

The locals will show themselves to be hospitable people.

By the way, what is the correct name for the representatives of the people of Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyz? No, it's better to use another word - "Kyrgyz".

What happens if you call a local resident a Kyrgyz

Most likely, nothing terrible will happen. The reaction will be quite normal.

Bishkek
Photo: Pixabay

Residents of Kyrgyzstan are adequate and understanding people, reports the Zen channel “Living Central Asia”.

Local residents understand perfectly well that each language has its own phonetic features.

Thus, in Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian and other Slavic languages there are almost no words with the syllable “ky”.

Residents of Kyrgyzstan understand that it is not so easy for guests from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine to pronounce the word "Kyrgyz". Many visitors are not even aware of the existence of such a self-designation.

That is why representatives of the Turkic people are not offended when they hear the word “Kyrgyz” in the speech of tourists.

And yet, try to respect the locals by using only the correct name of the people, from their point of view.

In what case will a Kyrgyz be offended by the word "Kyrgyz"

If a local resident hears the word “Kirghiz” from a representative of his own people, he may perceive it as an insult.

After all, the interlocutor is probably aware of local phonetic peculiarities. His use of the word "Kyrgyz" may indicate a desire to "prick" the interlocutor.

Kurchev Anton Author: Kurchev Anton Deputy Editor-in-Chief


Content
  1. What happens if you call a local resident a Kyrgyz
  2. In what case will a Kyrgyz be offended by the word "Kyrgyz"