Socio-cultural, economic and political influences on choice of medium of instruction: The case of Kyrgyzstan

This thesis explores, against the context of the Soviet and post-Soviet language reforms that took place between the early 1920s and present times, choice of medium of instruction (MOI) in secondary schools in Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic in Central Asia. It examines the interface between the individual choices of MOI and wider socio-cultural context---political, economic and cultural influences on choice of MOI. It takes a critical approach to choice of MOI and seeks to clarify some of the issues, both tangible and intangible, that are involved in individuals' choice of MOI.; The research is based on the individual interviews of 40 people (between 18 and 83 years of age) of Kyrgyz ethnic background who chose the Kyrgyz and Russian languages as MOI. Based on the participants' perceptions and experiences gained from their schooling in the Kyrgyz and Russian languages, the study explores the forces and influences that informed their choice of MOI; expectations the participants had of each language; benefits and losses that resulted from their choice. The effects of the political, ideological, social, economic and cultural influences on choice are also described.; Drawing on the research of identity theorists, the study argues that people's choice of MOI is linked to their perceptions of self and their location in relation to a broader socio-cultural, economic and political context. The position that the study takes to language is that language is not just a means of communication. It is an indispensable part of culture and is closely linked to such social, cultural and symbolic resources as identity, ethnicity, nation, shared land and history, memories, myths and legends, religion and geographical location. The interplay between language and such socio-cultural, psychological and symbolic resources imbues the sense of belonging and unity.; The research discusses the implications of the findings for theory, education and pedagogy, policy-making and further research. It discusses the meaning and significance of language as MOI under changing socio-cultural, economic and cultural circumstances and the strategies and measures that policy makers and educators can develop to address the issues of MOI in the education system of Kyrgyzstan.