Kyrgyz

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A language of Kyrgyzstan

ISO 639-3
kir
Alternate Names
Kara-Kirgiz, Kirghiz, Kirgiz
Population

2,450,000 in Kyrgyzstan (1993 UBS). Population total all countries: 2,941,930.

Location

Widespread. Also in Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkey, United States, Uzbekistan.

Language Maps
Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Constitution, Art 10(1)).

Classification
Altaic, Turkic, Western, Aralo-Caspian
Dialects

Northern Kyrgyz, Southern Kyrgyz.

Typology

SOV

Language Use

L1 for 98% of Kyrgyz. The Ichkilik are a Kyrgyz-speaking people of non-Kyrgyz origin. Some also use Russian [rus].

Language Development
Schools in Kyrghyz. Newspapers. Radio programs. Films. TV. Bible: 1995–2004.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kyrgyz
Writing
Arabic script, used in China. Cyrillic script, not used in Afghanistan. Latin script, used in Turkey.
Other Comments

The names Eastern Kyrghyz and Western Kyrghyz have been erroneously applied to Kazakh. Increasing education. Muslim (Sunni), Buddhist (Lamaist).

Also spoken in:

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