Abstract:
The article considers a concept of language policy in modern sociolinguistics. The review of research devoted
to the language policy in Kazakhstan was done. The research is based on the main provisions of the language
policy concept of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The concepts as language policy, language situation, bilingualism,
multilingualism, trilingualism are considered. Author marked next functions of sociolinguistic research:
analysis and monitoring of the level of knowledge of state, native and Russian languages by ethnic groups
living in Kazakhstan; the role of the state language in socio-communicative system of the Kazakhstan society;
public assessment of measures for implementation of the status of the state language, the place of the language
issue in the migration motivation of the population of Kazakhstan and others.
