Emotional literacy, the ability to understand one’s own and others’ emotions is becoming a skill of the 21st century. In Kazakhstan, this third language can help build strong communities, develop leadership, and prepare a generation capable of building a sustainable future.
Assel Gutova.
We grew up in a country where several languages are spoken. Kazakh and Russian are spoken on the streets, in schools, and at universities. English is becoming the language of global opportunities and career growth. But there is a language that is rarely spoken in Kazakhstan, and which few people speak: the language of emotions. Emotional literacy, or EQ, is the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions, recognize the emotional signals of others, and build trusting relationships. It is gradually becoming the third language that our country must master to ensure a sustainable future.
At first glance, this seems like an abstract concept. But emotional literacy is deeply practical. It affects how children learn, how teams work, and how communities function. International research shows that people with high EQ are better able to cope with stress, have a more stable psyche, build productive relationships and achieve greater success in their studies and careers. These skills are especially relevant in Kazakhstan: We are experiencing rapid social and economic changes, and emotionally resilient citizens can become the foundation of a new generation of leaders and specialists.
Consider schools, for instance. Students face many multiple stressors: exams, preparation for Olympiads, competition for university places, pressure from family and peers. Yet, emotional literacy is scarcely taught. It is worth noting that children who cannot recognize their emotions and cope with them most often face anxiety, stress, social isolation and even become victims of bullying. A study conducted among schoolchildren in Kazakhstan showed that a high level of emotional intelligence is positively associated with learning motivation and social skills. In other words, emotional literacy directly affects a child’s success and future opportunities.
Encouragingly, practices promoting emotional learning are emerging in Kazakhstan. The Aul.Inspired project, for example, provides social-emotional education in rural schools alongside students learning how to recognize their feelings, work in teams, and resolve conflicts peacefully. In addition, teachers note that children with a high level of emotional literacy are more actively involved in the educational process, cooperate better with others, and face fewer conflicts. Similar initiatives are emerging at the university level. For example, research at Nazarbayev University shows that the development of emotional intelligence among students contributes to the formation of leadership qualities and teamwork skills. Students who can understand their emotions and consider the feelings of others perform better in group projects, manage deadlines and stressful situations more effectively, and become more active members of campus communities.
Government agencies are also starting to implement approaches related to EQ. UNDP Kazakhstan, together with law enforcement agencies, conducts training on the development of emotional intelligence among employees. These skills help to better interact with citizens, prevent conflicts and strengthen trust in government institutions.
Why is emotional literacy especially important for Kazakhstan?
First, our country is multilingual and multicultural. We teach children Kazakh, Russian and English. Emotional intelligence is becoming the fourth language in which we can connect people and overcome cultural barriers. Second, emotionally literate leaders are trusted leaders. They make decisions based not only on data and analytical findings, but also on the emotional consequences for the people affected by these decisions.
The future of Kazakhstan depends not only on technology and economic growth, but also on the strength of human connections. Emotional literacy allows citizens to better understand each other, collaborate, build trusting relationships, and make decisions based on the emotions and needs of society. This is an investment in human capital and a fundamental component of the country’s sustainable development.
When we teach children English, develop multilingualism and build global connections, we must not forget about the language of emotions. Mastering it will allow Kazakhstan to become a country where success is measured not only by the economy, but also by social harmony, where people are able to work together and create a stable, trusting society. Emotional literacy is the third language that can determine the future of our country.
The author is Assel Gutova, a graduate student of the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Astana Times.
