Astana · offline · free

Come speak Kazakh

Tildes is an open club where you can practise spoken Kazakh without pressure: a topic, useful vocabulary, and plenty of real conversation.

  • From A1 level
  • Saturday and Sunday
  • National Museum
Open WhatsApp chat Open route in 2GIS

Mistakes are welcome

We do not expect perfect speech. The important thing is to start talking and support one another in a friendly way.

First time? No preparation needed.

01 · Level

Choose the right group for you

The groups meet at different times. Choose the one that feels right for your level.

Group A

Beginner · A1-A2

For participants who can build simple sentences and give short answers on familiar topics.

10:00-12:00

Group B

Advanced · B1+

For participants with some experience speaking Kazakh.

12:00-14:00

If you are at A0: start with basic grammar and a small core vocabulary. It will be easier to join a meeting after that.

02 · Format

How does a meeting work?

No advance preparation is needed. The moderator provides the topic and useful vocabulary.

01

Topic and vocabulary

The moderator introduces a topic, discussion questions, and 15-20 useful words.

02

Small groups

If there are many participants, we split into groups of 2-3 and discuss prepared questions.

03

Explanations and guidance

The moderator explains grammar, how words are used, and the differences between formal and conversational forms.

46 seconds · real meeting

What is a first meeting like?

Participants speak, listen to one another, and use new words right away. The video also works without sound: it includes Kazakh subtitles.

46 seconds · live meeting

03 · Schedule

Weekends. Each meeting lasts 2 hours

Duration

2 hr

A poll appears in the WhatsApp chat midweek. If you are coming, choose your time and group.

Saturday

10:00-12:00Beginner Group A · A1-A2
12:00-14:00Advanced Group B · B1+

Sunday

10:00-12:00Beginner Group A · A1-A2
12:00-14:00Advanced Group B · B1+

Before setting out, check the weekly poll in the chat: the organiser posts any changes there.

04 · Location

Find the Press Centre

Astana · 54 Tauelsizdik Avenue

National Museum, 2nd floor

Look for a sign reading “Press Centre” on the door.

Open in 2GIS
  1. Go up the stairs and enter through the door at the top. It may look like the first floor from outside, but it is counted as the second floor.
  2. Security will check your bag. In winter, you may be asked to leave outerwear in the cloakroom. If you have a bag, say that you are attending a Tildes meeting, not visiting the museum.
  3. At the turnstile, say “Qazaq tili” (Kazakh language) or “I am here for the Tildes meeting”. You do not need to go to the ticket desk.
  4. The Press Centre is on the same floor. Before you reach it, there is a cafe on the right where you can buy water or coffee.

05 · Community

The main thing is to keep trying to speak Kazakh

Kazakh comes first

In the chat, we try to express our thoughts, greetings, and replies in Kazakh.

Mistakes are welcome

Corrections are offered only as friendly suggestions. There are no grades here.

Respect and support

We respect every participant's perspective and help one another grow.

Useful content

You are welcome to share Kazakh memes, articles, videos, and interesting facts. No spam.

Read all guidelines
  • If you cannot find a word, you can use a translator or AI as a support tool instead of immediately switching to Russian.
  • At A0 level, we recommend learning basic grammar and the most common words first.
  • The “Meet at a higher level of awareness” principle: we discuss important topics respectfully and grow together.

06 · Between meetings

Use a little Kazakh every day

Games and learning materials for independent Kazakh practice, all in one place.

Word game

SÖZDIL

Guess a six-letter Kazakh word in six tries.

Connections game

Torteu.kz

Sort 16 words into four groups by meaning.

Puzzles

SozTap.kz

Kazakh crosswords, scanwords, and quizzes.
Learning materials
Recommended books

International literature

  • Andrzej Sapkowski · The Witcher
  • J. R. R. Tolkien · The Lord of the Rings
  • J. K. Rowling · Harry Potter
  • C. S. Lewis · The Chronicles of Narnia
  • Frank Herbert · Dune
  • George Orwell · 1984, Animal Farm
  • Chinua Achebe · Things Fall Apart
  • Svetlana Alexievich · The Unwomanly Face of War
  • Daniel Keyes · Flowers for Algernon
  • Aigiz Baimukhametov · Don't Leave Me, Mum!

Kazakh literature

  • Ilyas Yesenberlin · Koshpendiler (The Nomads)
  • Mukhtar Magauin · Alasapyran, Zharmaq
  • Talasbek Asemkulov · Taltus
  • Sanzhar Kerimbai · Qanysh and the Scientific Front
  • Dulat Isabekov · Qargyn, Gauhartas, Okpek Zholaushy
  • Tolen Abdik · The Right Hand
  • Yrysbek Dabey · Qoniz
  • Alisher Rakhat · My Love Is Constant: Parallel, Ownerless Shadow
  • Turysbek Sauketayev · I Am Mad
  • Abai Aimagambet · Half a Step Before the Turn
  • Alibek Baibol · Mutylgan
  • Perizat Myrzakhmet · Life Is M
  • Saule Doszhan · Fear in the Big House
  • Zhalgas Kazybek · Aqquyin

For teenagers

  • Taupyk Rymzhanov · The Courage of Zaitunkarlygash
  • Zira Nauryzbayeva · Batu's Adventures
  • Amir Shyngyskhan · Zaman: The Centaur's Adventures

Detective and psychological fiction

  • Arman Almenbet · The Investigator
  • Bakytzhan Karateghi · Shider
  • Askar Altai · Killer Magpie, Casino

Join the next meeting

Choose your time and group in the WhatsApp chat poll. Participation is free.

Join WhatsApp chat Open Telegram chat