Department of Foreign languages and Translation Studies
The Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies trains undergraduate and graduate students in the following educational programs: bachelor’s programs “6В01705 – Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages”, “6В01709 — Foreign Languages (IP)”, and “6В02301 – Translation Studies”, as well as the scientific and pedagogical master’s program “7M01705 – Training of Foreign Language Teachers”.
The mission of the department is to train professional specialists with a high level of proficiency in foreign languages and practical skills in translation and pedagogy. The department focuses on foreign language instruction, mastering translation methods, developing intercultural communication, building theoretical and practical translation skills, deepening linguistic knowledge, upholding professional standards in the field of translation, and preparing internationally competitive specialists.
In the 2026–2027 academic year, the department’s academic staff consists of 29 faculty members teaching core and specialized disciplines, including: Head of the Department — Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) D. M. Zhabykbayeva; Associate Professors (Docents) — Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor S. M. Mashanova and Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor E. Li (Acting Associate Professor); 4 faculty members holding candidate and PhD degrees — Candidate of Philological Sciences G. Sharipova, PhD A. K. Toktanova, PhD G. A. Tlegenova, PhD M. G. Ashimova; 13 senior lecturers/lecturers — A. Ye. Tastemirova, G. Қ. Baigudanova, Sh. S. Zhaukumova, M. Kh. Kylyshpayeva, S. A. Ualiyeva, Sh. M. Nusupova, Sh. S. Yeleusizova, M. A. Maukeybayeva, A. N. Mussabayeva, S. B. Dyusebayeva, G. K. Turabay, M. S. Kabylova, A. O. Yessimbekova; 7 assistant instructors — G. Tursyn, M. M. Suleimenova, A. Kairbek, L. K. Myrzakhmet, A. B. Baigozhina, B. B. Nurgozha, A. S. Ramazanova; as well as 2 part-time industry practitioners — S. Sh. Baktybayeva and R. K. Tumanbayev.
Number of students: In the 2026–2027 academic year, 702 students are enrolled in the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies, of which 507 students study in the Foreign Language track (“Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages” and “Foreign Languages (IP)”), 195 students major in “Translation Studies”, and 34 graduate students are enrolled in the “Training of Foreign Language Teachers” master’s program.
In 2024, the department successfully passed specialized accreditation for the programs “6В01705 – Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages” and “6В02301 – Translation Studies”, and in 2025 — for the program “6В01709 — Foreign Languages (IP)” (Years 1–4).
Material and technical equipment: The library fund is provided with an electronic database of articles, books, abstract papers, dissertations, and academic works by faculty members of universities in Kazakhstan. Educational and operational information for students and faculty is posted on the university website and its portals. The department and computer labs have access to the internet and the university’s local network. Free Wi-Fi zones are available. The educational process is supported by 5 educational and methodological rooms (including 3 multimedia language laboratories Nos. 302, 303, and 304). The multimedia language laboratories are used to conduct practical classes in English, German, Korean, Chinese, and Turkish. The rooms are equipped with software, ready-made applied lessons with language textbooks, and materials prepared by the department’s faculty. The university’s social infrastructure includes assembly halls, conference halls, sports halls, dormitories, a library, and dining facilities.
The educational process is organized through credit technology training. The educational-methodical complex of the specialty is 100%. Improving the quality of taught disciplines is associated with methodological support. The use of innovative technologies in training depends on the development of communicative competence of students. Students are provided with necessary teaching materials on all disciplines of the department in Kazakh, Russian and English languages. Educational and methodical materials, instructions for practical classes, electronic lecture courses, electronic textbooks, test assignments are available in the Intranet system of the university. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the following faculty members have published teaching aids: Sh.S. Zhaukumova – “Workshop on the Formation of Professional Communicative Competence”, G.K. Turabay – “Usage of Internet Resources in the Formation of Intercultural Communicative Competence”, S.B. Dyusebayeva – “Theory and Practice of Formation of Foreign Language Communicative Competence of Primary School Students”, S.A. Ualieva – “Deutsch als Fremdsprache”, S.B. Dyusebayeva & A.S. Doskeldina – “Communicative Competence in Online Environment”. Additionally, some faculty members are planning to publish more educational materials.
Teachers of the department have developed methodological guidelines for all disciplines: practical classes and lectures, theses, all kinds of internships. In accordance with the state compulsory standard and the academic calendar of students of 2, 3, 4 courses students have a production (pedagogical) practice. Educational practice (pedagogical practice) of the students of the department is carried out according to the contracts with district and city schools. The department has internship programs, internship reports, orders, student orientation and protocols of final conferences. In accordance with the order of the Ministry of Education and Science 20.04.2011 № 152 “On approving the rules of the organization of training in credit technology” approved consultants of the department. Faculty advisers carry out explanatory work with students on elective subjects, develop individual study plans for students, as well as make recommendations on the curriculum.
|
№ р/с |
Author |
The title and types of educational and methodological literature. |
The name of the discipline, the specialty code, the educational program code. |
Release date |
|
1
|
Turabay G. |
Usage of Internet resources in the formation of intercultural communicative competence |
Шетел тілі (магистратура ) |
May 2024 y. |
|
2 |
Тurabay G. |
For the formation of intercultural communicative competence of future foreign language teachers |
Шетел тілі (магистратура ) |
May, 2024 y. |
|
3 |
Zhaukumova Sh. |
Развитие профессионально- коммуникативных компетенций будущих учителей начальных классов |
June, 2024y. |
|
|
4 |
Dyusebayeva S. |
Theory and practice of formation of foreign language communicative competence of primary school students |
Современные педагогические технологии в начальном образовании (6B01301-Бастауышта оқыту педагогикасы мен әдістемесі бакалавриат |
June, 2024y. |
|
5 |
Dyusebayeva S. Doskeldina A. |
Communicative competence in online environment |
6В01301 – «Pedagogy and methodology of primary education» (bachelor’s degree) and 7M01301 – «Pedagogy and methodology of primary education» (master’s degree). |
December, 2024y. |
Methodological Seminar (2024-2025 Academic Year)
On October 18, 2024, instructors from the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies, along with Bolashaq program graduate Kairbek Araygul, who received her education in Ohio, and Omarbekova Gulzhan, conducted a seminar for the faculty of the department on the topic “Effective Assessment: Types, Rubrics, and Grading.” The main objective of the seminar was to explain effective ways of using rubrics and assessment methods to ensure fair evaluation of both instructors’ and students’ knowledge.
|
№ |
Methodological Seminar Title |
Responsible persons |
|
1 |
Effective Assessment: Types, Rubrics, and Grading |
Kairbek A. Omarbekova G. |
|
2 |
Effective Strategies for Organizing Distance Learning in Higher Education |
Kairbek A. Omarbekova G. |
The research activities of the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies are aimed at enhancing the academic potential of the educational program’s faculty, implementing research findings into the educational process, and developing professional cooperation. The department’s faculty members actively participate in international and national scientific-practical conferences, research projects, methodological seminars, and professional development courses.
In the 2025–2026 academic year, the department’s faculty published 110 scientific articles, including:
in journals indexed in the Scopus database — 10;
in publications recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan — 18;
in other domestic and foreign scientific publications — 82.
The published research covers topical issues in foreign language teaching methodology, linguistics, intercultural communication, and modern educational technologies. In the future, the department’s team plans to improve the quality of scientific publications and citation metrics, expand international research ties, and effectively apply research results in the educational process.
Publications in Journals Indexed in the Scopus Database
| No. | Authors / Faculty Members | Article Title | Journal Name, Volume, Issue, Year, Pages | Impact Factor, Quartile, Percentile |
| 1 | Yessimbekova A.O., Taurbekova A., Shagatayeva Z., Zhatbekova N., Shakarim N. | Project-based learning via school-university collaboration: impact on general pedagogical knowledge in primary student-teachers | Frontiers in Education. – 2025. – Vol. 10. – P. 1-12 | — |
| 2 | Yessimbekova A.O., Zhakipbekova S., Petkova I., Shagatayeva Z. | Evaluation of Teacher Candidates’ Attitudes, Perceptions, and Opinions towards Artificial Intelligence and Project-Based Learning | International Journal of Information and Education Technology. – 2026. – Vol. 16. – № 4. – P. 1076-1088 | — |
| 3 | Yessimbekova A.O., Issabekova A., Almenbetova K., Shakirova A. | Evaluating an AI-Supported Revision Module for Project-Based Research in Teacher Education | The Electronic Journal of e-Learning. – 2026. – Vol. 24. – № 3. – P. 33-48 | — |
| 4 | Yessimbekova A.O., Taurbekova A., Ybyraimzhanov K., Mailybayeva G., Zhexembayeva Zh. | Effects of SRSD Plus Supervised Implementation on Preservice Primary Teacher’s Content Knowledge and Self-efficacy for Teaching Reading | Qubahan Academic Journal. – 2026. – Vol. 6. – P. 468-480 | — |
| 5 | Kylyshpayeva M., Kylyshpayeva S., Akizhanova D., Onalbayeva A. | The structure for cultivating a philologist’s linguistic identity via improvement of communicative abilities in language classes | Frontiers in Education. Section Language, Culture and Diversity. – 2026. – Vol. 11 | Q1, 76% |
| 6 | Mussabayeva A.N., Bakytzhanova A., Zhanzhigitov S., Bibekov K., Yelubay A. | Linguoconceptual Nature of Intellectual Parameters in Kazakh Legal Discourse | Forum for Linguistic Studies. – 2025. – Vol. 07. – Issue 07. – P. 146-157 | — |
| 7 | Kabylova М.S., Abishev N.A., Orynbayeva U.K., Zhumabayeva M.А. | Enhancing Interactive Skills of Pre-Service EFL Teachers: Is Video-Case-Based Reflective Training Instrumental? | Educational Process: International Journal. – 2025. – Vol. 15. – № e2025100. – P. 1-12 | — |
| 8 | Tlegenova G.A., Shukenay G.T., Shynybekova A., Zhumashay R., Agabekova B., Berkimbayeva S. | The Language of Colors: Symbolism of Hues in Kazakh Proverbs and Cross-Cultural Comparison | Theory and Practice in Language Studies. – 2026. – Vol. 16. – № 1. – P. 382-393 | — |
| 9 | Myrzakhmet L., Aizhan Sapargaliyeva, Gulim Shukenay, Zhadyra Zhexembayeva | Professional preparation of teachers to form foreign language culture as a condition of socialisation of schoolchildren | Educational and Developmental Psychologist. – 2026. – P. 1-15 | — |
| 10 | Ashimova M.G., Daulova Zh.T., Pangereyev A.Sh., Issaliyeva A.A., Iskaliyeva A.T., Nurpeisov N.Zh., Aristangaliyeva N.B. | Characterization of the Historical Figure Isatay Taimanov in Sherniyaz Zharylgasuly’s Poetry | Theory and Practice in Language Studies. – 2026. – Vol. 16. – № 8. – P. 2846-2854 | — |
Today, the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies of the Faculty of Humanities hosted the grand final concert of the Language Week Lingua Fest — a magnificent cultural event that crowned the multi-day program aimed at developing linguistic skills and intercultural communication. During the concert, guests and participants had a unique opportunity to enjoy an impressive variety of creative performances: elegant dance routines, inspiring vocal performances, and heartfelt poetic works presented in various foreign languages. This multilingual showcase not only demonstrated the students’ language proficiency but also highlighted the richness and uniqueness of each culture. The ceremonial opening of the event was marked by welcoming speeches from the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Raygul Zheldibayeva, and the Head of the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies, Dinara Zhabykbaeva. Their addresses emphasized the importance of language education as a fundamental element in shaping global thinking and broadening the horizons of today’s students. The concert became a vivid reflection of the creative potential of students and faculty, demonstrating the power of language as a means of uniting people of different nationalities and cultures. Lingua Fest reaffirmed the department’s status as a center where linguistic diversity and cultural heritage find their rightful place and continue to flourish.
Chinese Spring Festival
The Chinese Spring Festival was held at Zhetysu University as a cultural and educational event aimed at introducing Chinese traditions and the symbolism of the Spring Festival. The event was organized by Samal Dyussebayeva, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies. We were honored to welcome representatives of the Pengbo Chinese Language Academy Kazakhstan Branch and Guliya Alikhankyzy, Head of the Department of Chinese Language and Sinology at KazNPU named after Abay. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our students for their active participation, dedication, and excellent performances. Special thanks are also extended to our distinguished guests for their support and cooperation.
“Foreign languages without borders”
On November 26, 2024, the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies of the Faculty of Humanities organized the “Foreign Languages Without Borders” Olympiad among 2nd and 3rd-year students in English, Chinese, Turkish, and German. The English language Olympiad consisted of two stages: in the first stage, participants completed tasks to develop listening, reading, and writing skills, in the second stage, they presented their project work. The goal of the Olympiad was to identify talented students, develop their creative and intellectual abilities, enhance their research skills, and increase interest in learning. Out of 40 students, 10 advanced to the second round. During the project presentations, students demonstrated their language proficiency and research skills, securing prize-winning places and receiving valuable prizes and diplomas for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. We are confident that our students will achieve even greater success in the future!
Since the beginning of the academic year, our students and faculty members have been actively participating in various events!
In the Chess Tournament for the Rector’s Cup, students Makhammatilla Zarina and Burkitbayev Bakytzhan from groups SHTQ-211 and SHTQ-213 secured 1st place in the team competition.
In the Judo Tournament for the Rector’s Cup, 3rd-year student Belkozha Bekzhan won 2nd place.
In the Talent Contest, our students took all the prize places in the Dance and Song categories (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places).
As part of the “Honest Session” campaign, advisors of each group held educational sessions with their students on the topic “No to Corruption!”.
To raise awareness about ludomania (gambling addiction), faculty members S.B. Dyusebayeva and A.S. Doskeldina conducted an open lesson in TED Talks format on the topic “Gambling Addiction”.
In the student video competition on anti-corruption, the best video was recognized as the work of 3rd-year student Shayakhmet Shynar, who won 1st place.
The Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies actively develops international relations and academic mobility programs.
Within the framework of international academic mobility programs, undergraduate students have the opportunity to complete semester-long studies at leading foreign partner universities. Internal and external academic mobility of undergraduates helps expand language practice, master international educational programs, and integrate students into the global educational space.
In the first semester of the 2026–2027 academic year, students majoring in “6V01709 – Foreign Languages (IP)” were sent for external academic mobility to leading foreign universities:
To the University of Lodz (Lodz, Republic of Poland): Riana Rashidovna Ismazova (Year 2), Meruert Zharkimbayevna Sadykova (Year 2), Dariya Serikkyzy (Year 2), Dastan Muratuly Akhmet (Year 2), Aruzhan Danirkyzy Zhanat (Year 2), Aigerim Berikkyzy (Year 2), Amina Erlankyzy Meirkhan (Year 2), Nurai Yernatkyzy Asanbek (Year 3), Tumar Zharmukhanbetkyzy Almukhanbet (Year 3).
To Hatay Mustafa Kemal University (Antakya, Republic of Turkey): Dariga Adilkyzy Zhumadil, Yerniyaz Yersaiynuly, Shyraylym Aydynkyzy.
To Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University (Niğde, Republic of Turkey): Damira Serikhankyzy, Aynur Nurlankyzy Ayapova.
As part of attracting foreign scholars and integrating international experience into the educational process, a visiting foreign professor—Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Perizat Yertayeva (Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey)—is working at the department. In the 2026–2027 academic year, PhD Perizat Yertayeva is conducting lectures and practical classes for 4th-year undergraduate students of the department.
Senior lecturer of the EP "Foreign languages and translation studies" Ualieva Saule Aitkalievna was awarded a certificate of honor for many years of honest work in the education system, creative achievements in moral education and contribution to the development and strengthening of the trade union movement.
The 1st-degree diploma is awarded to the participant of the project "III International Book Edition," "Best Young Scientists - 2021," lecturer at the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies, Turabay Guldana Keliskyzy.
Senior lecturer of the department "Foreign languages and translation studies" Baigudanova Gulzhanat Kudaibergenovna was awarded a certificate of honor for many years of honest work in the education system, creative achievements in moral education and contribution to the development and strengthening of the trade union movement.
The Advanced Training Center "Өрлеу" expressed gratitude to the head o of the Department of "Foreign Languages and Translation Studies," D.M. Zhabykbayeva, for her contribution to the professional development of educators and her fruitful creative work.
The winner of the international competition "TMD-ның үздік педагогы -2021" is awarded to the lecturer of the "Foreign Languages and Translation Studies" department, Turabay Guldana Keliskyzy.
«Деңгейлік онлайн платформа арқылы шетел тілінде тыңдалым және айтылым дағдыларын қалыптастыру» project manager Dyusebayeva S.B., project executors Abdualieva R.E., Doskeldina A.S., financing amount: 1,300,000 tenge.
Zhabykbaeva Dinara Maratovna
Head of the department of Foreign languages and Translation Studies, PhD
Тел. +7 (775) 649 61 63
d.zhabykbaeva@zu.edu.kz
Mashanova Sania Medetbekovna
Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor
Тел. +7 (777) 363 39 30
saniya.mashanova@mail.ru
Baigudanove Gulzhanat Kudaibergenovna
Teacher-lecturer
Mussabayeva Aliya Nurlanbekovna
Teacher-lecturer
