History of the department

The history of the “Language Education” Department is inseparably linked with the history of the establishment and development of M. Tynyshpayev ALT University. Throughout the years of its existence, the Department has undergone a significant path of development, preserving the best traditions of language education while continuously improving the educational process.

The origins of the Department date back to 1968, when a branch of the Tashkent Institute of Railway Transport Engineers was established in the city of Almaty. During this period, under the leadership of Kh. Zh. Satybaldina, the Section of Russian and Foreign Languages was created, employing only five instructors. Despite its small staff, it was at that time that the foundations for the future development of language training at the university were laid.

In 1976, due to the need to train a larger number of specialists for the railway industry, the Almaty Institute of Railway Transport Engineers (AlIIT) was established on the basis of the branch. From that time onward, the Department significantly expanded its activities: its staff included instructors of Russian, English, German, and French, and the number of faculty members increased to fifteen. The Department was headed by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Professor L.F. Tolmacheva, under whose leadership it successfully functioned until 1991.

After Kazakhstan gained independence, special attention was devoted to the development of the state language within the higher education system. Consequently, the University administration decided to establish two independent departments. The Department of Foreign Languages continued to be headed by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Professor L.F. Tolmacheva, while M. Zh. Isingarina was appointed Head of the newly established Department of Kazakh and Russian Languages.

A new stage in the Department’s history began in 1996, when the Institute of Railway Transport Engineers and the Almaty Automobile and Road Institute were merged to create the Kazakh Academy of Transport and Communications. Following the reorganization, L.F. Tolmacheva and M.Zh. Isingarina continued to lead their respective departments, maintaining high standards of teaching and research activity.

In 2004, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor A. K. Omarova became Head of the Department, and in 2006 the Department came under the leadership of Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences B. Kh. Ismagulova. During this period, the Departments of Kazakh Language and Foreign Language occupied an important place in training qualified personnel for the transport industry of the country.

By decision of the Academy administration, in 2009 the Departments of Kazakh Language and Foreign Languages were merged into a single Department of Languages. The Department’s staff consisted of approximately thirty instructors of Kazakh, Russian, and foreign languages. Until 2010, the Department was headed by Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor B. Kh. Ismagulova, who made a significant contribution to the development of language education at the Academy.

From 2010 to 2020, the Department was headed by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor B.Zhardamaliyeva; Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor of KazATC F.I.Smailova and Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor Z.D. Bekmambetova. Owing to their professionalism, the Department’s educational and methodological foundation was strengthened and the quality of student training was enhanced.

In 2021, the Kazakh Academy of Transport and Communications named after M. Tynyshpayev was transformed into the Academy of Logistics and Transport. The Department, employing nineteen instructors, was headed by Senior Lecturer G. U. Kalkabayeva. Under her leadership, the faculty continued its active work aimed at improving the educational process.

From 15 September of the 2021–2022 academic year, the Department of Languages was renamed the Department of Language Training. The Department was headed by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, ALT Associate Professor  F.I. Smailova. In the 2024–2025 academic year, the Department received its current name “Language Education” reflecting its commitment to international educational standards and the development of multilingual education.

Today, the Department employs highly qualified specialists, including Candidate of Philological Sciences and Associate Professor D.N. Abisheva; ALT Associate Professor M.T. Kozhakanova; Candidate of Philological Sciences and ALT Associate Professor U.B. Adilbayeva; Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and ALT Associate Professor G.A. Kalambayeva; Candidate of Philological Sciences and ALT Associate Professor G.K. Eszhanova; as well as Senior Lecturers S.A. Aliyeva., G.U. Kalkabayeva., G.N.Doszhanova., S.K.Makhambetova., D.T. Sadykhan., A.Amanbayeva., N.B. Dosmaganbetova., S.K.Maksat  and G.M. Toktamanova. The Department also successfully employs holders of Master’s degrees in Philology — Senior Lecturers L.A. Shintayeva., S.M. Keyshilova., N. Madeniyet, Zh. Iztayeva  and F. Sarsenbayeva.

The Department’s faculty members ensure the implementation of educational programmes in the disciplines “Kazakh Language,” “Russian Language,” “Foreign Language,” “Chinese Language,” “Foreign Language (Professional),” “Academic Writing,” and “Organization and Planning of Scientific Research.”

At present, the “Language Education” Department possesses a modern material and technical infrastructure. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, modern educational complexes, and the necessary teaching and methodological resources, enabling the creation of an effective learning environment and ensuring a high level of student preparation.

Preserving its rich traditions and drawing upon the many years of experience of its leaders and faculty members, the “Language Education” Department continues to develop successfully, making a substantial contribution to the training of competitive specialists for Kazakhstan and the international professional community.