A Kazakh journalist living in the UK and serving as a representative of a state media outlet in London, Galymzhan Karamanuly, shared his thoughts on life abroad, his journalistic career, and his attitude toward the Kazakh language, according to the national portal Adyrna, citing Sunqarnews.
Although Galymzhan jokingly says he works “in 16 places,” in reality, he is engaged in journalism, media consulting, and information dissemination through social media. He notes that in an expensive city like London, supporting a family requires discipline, purpose, and responsibility.
“If I manage my morning hours well, I can get a lot done by evening,” he says.
In his interview with Sunqarnews, he emphasized that even while living abroad, his children’s fluency in Kazakh is the result of family upbringing and perseverance.
“At home, we speak only Kazakh and preserve our national traditions. My wife and I made it our top priority to ensure our children speak both English and Kazakh. We read Kazakh books and maintain our customs. This is a sign of staying connected to our roots. Behind this is hard work, patience, and sometimes strictness. In a foreign environment, a child’s language and culture can quickly shift. But a warm family atmosphere and respect for national values help preserve those roots. Aida, as you know, there’s no real Kazakh-speaking community in England. Everything is in English. You rarely even hear Russian. So we place great emphasis on using our native language at home,” says the journalist.
During the interview, he also mentioned that he calls his wife “Queen,” a term that reflects deep respect and gratitude.
“My wife is my support and closest companion. There are times when work is exhausting, but when I come home, she’s the one who gives me strength. Every one of my achievements is thanks to her support and patience. Calling her ‘Queen’ isn’t just flattery — it’s sincere appreciation. A woman is the heart of the family. If the family is strong, the man can walk confidently. And we live in the UK, where there’s an actual royal family. Queen Elizabeth II reigned until the end of her life. So if I call my wife Queen, that makes me a little king in our home too,” he laughs.
Galymzhan Karamanuly also shared his opinion about Kazakh youth going abroad for seasonal work, noting that many have fallen victim to scams. He advised thoroughly researching and taking legal steps before traveling.
Today, hundreds of Kazakh students are studying in the UK. The Kazakh diaspora is active and celebrates national holidays together.
Galymzhan, who began learning English at the age of 37, encourages young people not to be afraid or shy.
“If you know a language, every door in the world opens for you. No matter where you are, never forget your roots and where you come from. Dream big, and keep the love for your homeland alive in your hearts,” Galymzhan Karamanuly concluded.
