Abstract (English)

This article examines the educational and cultural potential of the book Alash Tales as a comprehensive tool for language acquisition and historical immersion. The article aims to demonstrate how the book, while primarily designed for children, serves as effective supplementary material for language learners of all ages, particularly beginners. The methods of analysis include an examination of the book’s structure, which integrates narrative texts with post-reading comprehension exercises and vocabulary-building tasks. The results indicate that the systematic approach of combining engaging historical tales with targeted questions and vocabulary sections significantly aids in developing reading fluency, conversational skills, and cultural literacy. The conclusion confirms the book’s value for both independent study and guided family reading, recommending it as a resource for building language competence and connecting with Kazakh heritage.

Аннотация (Қазақ тілінде)

Бұл мақала «Алаш ертегілері» кітабының тіл үйрену және тарихи тереңдеу үшін кешенді құрал ретіндегі білім беру және мәдени әлеуетін зерттейді. Мақаланың мақсаты – кітаптың, негізінен балаларға арналғанымен, барлық жастағы, әсіресе бастауыш деңгейдегі тіл үйренушілер үшін тиімді қосымша материал ретінде қалай қызмет ететінін көрсету. Талдау әдістеріне әңгіме мәтіндерін оқығаннан кейінгі түсініктеме жаттығулары мен сөздік қорын дамыту тапсырмаларымен біріктіретін кітаптың құрылымын қарау кіреді. Нәтижелер тарихи ертегілерді мақсатты сұрақтар мен сөздік бөлімдермен үйлестіретін жүйелі тәсілдің оқу қабілетін, сөйлеу дағдыларын және мәдени сауаттылықты дамытуға айтарлықтай ықпал ететінін көрсетеді. Қорытынды кітаптың өздігінен оқуға да, отбасылық оқуға бағыт беруге де құндылығын растайды және оны тілдік құзыреттілік пен қазақ мұрасымен байланыстыру үшін ресурс ретінде ұсынады.

Аннотация (На русском языке)

Данная статья исследует образовательный и культурный потенциал книги «Сказки Алаш» как комплексного инструмента для изучения языка и исторического погружения. Цель статьи – продемонстрировать, как книга, в первую очередь предназначенная для детей, служит эффективным дополнительным материалом для изучающих язык всех возрастов, особенно для начинающих. Методы анализа включают изучение структуры книги, которая сочетает повествовательные тексты с упражнениями на понимание прочитанного и заданиями для расширения словарного запаса. Результаты показывают, что системный подход, объединяющий увлекательные исторические сказания с целевыми вопросами и разделами лексики, существенно способствует развитию беглости чтения, разговорных навыков и культурной грамотности. В заключение подтверждается ценность книги как для самостоятельного изучения, так и для семейного чтения, и она рекомендуется в качестве ресурса для формирования языковой компетенции и связи с казахским наследием.

Introduction

In an era of globalized communication, the development of strong reading and conversational skills in a second language remains a cornerstone of education and personal growth. Finding engaging, level-appropriate materials that move beyond dry textbooks is a common challenge for learners and educators alike. The relevance of this topic lies in the need for authentic, culturally rich resources that can motivate students and provide contextual learning. The book Alash Tales by Almas Oskenbay emerges as a significant practical solution to this challenge. While ostensibly a children's collection of historical tales, its structured pedagogical design offers profound theoretical and practical value for language acquisition. This article argues that Alash Tales is not merely a storybook but a versatile educational tool that effectively supports vocabulary expansion, reading comprehension, and oral proficiency development for beginners and intermediate learners, all while fostering a deep connection to Kazakh history and traditions.

Main Part

The primary strength of Alash Tales as an educational resource lies in its meticulously crafted dual-purpose structure. Each narrative unit functions as a complete lesson. The book transports readers to the pivotal historical period preceding the foundation of the Kazakh Khanate, where "mountains and steppes whisper, the swords of batyrs flash, and wise parental teachings echo" [2]. This vivid, immersive storytelling provides the essential context that makes language learning meaningful. The narrative itself introduces thematic vocabulary related to history, nature, kinship, and traditional values in a natural, memorable way.

Following each tale, the book presents targeted exercises, a feature that distinguishes it from simple story collections. These exercises are designed as question-and-answer (Q&A) formats, prompting the reader—whether a child or a language student—to engage actively with the text. This methodological approach aligns with communicative language teaching (CLT) principles, which emphasize interaction as both the means and the goal of study [1, p. 25]. By answering questions about plot, characters, and motives, the learner practices formulating thoughts in the target language, thereby solidifying comprehension and building conversational confidence. For beginners, these controlled practice sessions are invaluable for transitioning from passive recognition to active production.

Vocabulary acquisition is systematically addressed. New and potentially challenging words encountered in the stories are highlighted and reinforced within the exercise sections. This could involve matching words to definitions, using them in new sentences, or identifying synonyms. Such repetitive, contextual exposure is proven to enhance long-term lexical retention far more effectively than rote memorization of word lists. The book, therefore, acts as a structured vocabulary builder, expanding the learner's lexicon with culturally significant terms.

The practical significance of the book extends to multiple learning scenarios. For individual self-study, it provides a clear framework: read, comprehend, and practice. For classroom settings, teachers can utilize the tales and exercises as ready-made supplementary material to spark discussions and role-plays. Most notably, the book champions family reading. As stated in its description, it is intended so that "every parent can pass on their spiritual heritage to their child, and every child can feel their ancestry and history" [2]. This intergenerational dialogue, facilitated by shared reading and the subsequent Q&A exercises, "opens the door to family reading, meaningful conversations, and a deeper understanding of culture" [2]. The language practice thus becomes intertwined with cultural transmission, adding an invaluable layer of motivation and emotional resonance for the learner.

Critically, the book’s language is accessible yet rich. While suitable for younger audiences, it avoids oversimplification, presenting grammatically correct and stylistically authentic prose. This makes it an ideal bridging material for adult language learners who are beginners; they can engage with substantial content without being overwhelmed by excessively complex syntax. The focus on historical narratives and heroic ideals provides a subject matter that is engaging for a wide age range, making it a rare resource that is genuinely suitable for "children from 9 to 99."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alash Tales by Almas Oskenbay proves to be a remarkably effective and multifaceted resource for developing reading and speaking skills. Its integration of captivating historical narratives with structured post-reading comprehension and vocabulary exercises creates a powerful pedagogical cycle of input, processing, and output. This design directly addresses the core needs of language learners, particularly beginners, by providing comprehensible input, encouraging active use of language, and systematically building lexical knowledge. The reliability of this approach is supported by established language acquisition theories that emphasize contextual learning and communicative practice [1].

Beyond its linguistic utility, the book serves as a vital conduit to cultural heritage, making the process of learning personally and culturally meaningful. It successfully fulfills its promise as a tool for family engagement and historical education. Therefore, for educators seeking enriching supplementary materials, parents wishing to share their heritage, and learners—young or adult—desiring to brush up their reading and expand their vocabulary through engaging content, Alash Tales is a highly recommended acquisition. It stands as a testament to how language learning and cultural immersion can be seamlessly and productively combined in a single volume.

References

1. G.O. Mukhametkalieva, N.O. Menshukova, A.A. Oskenbayev. Brush Up Your Talk (Elementary): Teaching Manual. Madison: Institute of Innovative Technologies, 2014. – 148 p.
2. Oskenbay, A. Alash Tales. Clever Library, Almaty, 2025. [Online resource]. URL: https://kaspi.kz/shop/p/oskenbay-a-alash-tales-151069429/?c=750000000
3. Nation, I.S.P. Learning Vocabulary in Another Language. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013. – 624 p.
4. Krashen, S.D. The Input Hypothesis: Issues and Implications. London: Longman, 1985. – 120 p.
5. «Алаш» тарихы: энциклопедия. – Алматы: «Арыс» баспасы, 2019. – 544 б.
6. Journal article submission requirements [Online resource] – https://adisteme.kz/trebovaniia-k-oformleniiu-stati.html