National Unity and Linguistic Reality: A Comparative Analysis of Formal and Informal Spaces in Kazakhstan and Malaysia

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Abstract

The gap between language policy and actual linguistic practice in multiethnic societies is not merely a socio-political phenomenon, but also an issue that requires deep reflection from a religious-philosophical perspective on human existence, identity, and one’s place in society. Language is not only a means of communication; it is a value that preserves humanity’s spiritual memory, cultural code, and worldview. From this standpoint, the inconsistency between national language policy and everyday linguistic practice can be seen as a factor influencing both the inner spiritual integrity of the individual and social harmony. This study analyzes language policy in Kazakhstan and Malaysia through a literature review, drawing on Abel Polese’s comparative approach to formal and informal linguistic practices. The findings indicate that although official language policies in both countries aim to strengthen national unity, dominant languages tend to prevail in social and professional domains in real-life practice. These contradictions highlight the gap between the symbolic status of the state language and its actual use in everyday life. This situation demonstrates that language is not merely a legal norm, but also a significant instrument of spiritual-ethical responsibility and the formation of civic identity.