Researchers in Kazakhstan are developing guidelines on proper greeting etiquette for students, Education Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova said in response to a parliamentary inquiry.
According to Suleimenova, the Ybyrai Altynsarin National Academy of Education has established a task force comprising scholars, experts and civil society representatives.
The guidelines will be developed with input from participants in the education process, other stakeholders and government agencies.
«The document will also be subject to further discussion with members of parliament,» Suleimenova said.
Promoting national traditions and respect
The minister said fostering a culture of greeting among students in Kazakhstan was important for preserving national culture and traditions, teaching respect for elders and consideration for younger people, and strengthening values such as mutual respect and politeness.
The initiative follows President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s calls for a new code of conduct and his criticism of contemporary greeting habits. Tokayev has said men should offer one another a firm handshake rather than a limp one «like a warm cutlet or a twig.» He has also criticized hugging and kissing when greeting others, saying such practices run counter to traditional customs.
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Proposal to introduce etiquette standards in schools
Notably, in early September, MP Erlan Sairov had proposed incorporating national etiquette standards into school education.
Sairov said Kazakh society had developed its own greeting customs, rooted in interactions between generations and the maintenance of family and kinship ties.