A REVIEW OF THE EARLY KAZAKH ALPHABETS AND AN ORTHOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS BASED ON MATERIALS ABOUT SHAKARIM PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER «KAZAKH»

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the orthographic features presented in the materials of the national newspaper “Kazakh” (1913–1918), based on a critical article devoted to Shakarim Kudaiberdyuly’s genealogical work, as well as other publications of this newspaper. The objective of the article is to facilitate the accurate reading of texts written in the reformed Arabic script (tote jazu). The accurate reading of texts written in the tote script is of great importance, as it makes it possible to provide reliable information on the use of the letter-based phonographic alphabet, in this case, A. Baitursynuly’s reformed alphabet, developed on the basis of the traditional Arabic script (usul-kadym), during the initial period of its use in the national newspaper “Kazakh”, as well as to identify the differences between the usul-kadym and usul-tote writing systems. These issues are of considerable significance both for textual studies and for the study of the history of the Kazakh writing system. Particular attention is paid to the reasons for the omission of vowel notation in the spelling of root words, as well as to the peculiarities of suffix attachment and the difficulties associated with the representation of individual graphic signs. These issues are not merely described but are substantiated and supported by factual evidence in accordance with the criteria of textual analysis. In addition, the article provides a detailed description of the principal features of the superscript and subscript diacritical marks used in the usul-kadym writing system, as well as of the consonantal alphabet. The article also examines the types and functions of diacritical marks in detail and presents relevant linguistic evidence. The article further illustrates the orthographic features of native Kazakh vocabulary, loanwords, personal names, and other onomastic names attested in the newspaper. Relevant examples are provided in order to avoid ambiguous interpretation of their spelling. The article presents information not only on the history of the Kazakh writing system associated with the usul-kadym script and the reformed Arabic script (usul-tote) developed by Akhmet Baitursynuly, but also on other early Kazakh alphabets proposed by representatives of the Kazakh intelligentsia of that period, some of which gained a certain degree of use. The structure of these early alphabets is also described. In preparing the article, scholarly works relevant to the research topic were consulted.