Language/Kazakh/Culture/Traditional-Games-and-Pastimes

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Kazakh → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Traditional Games and Pastimes

Welcome, students! Today, we're diving into a vibrant aspect of Kazakh culture that plays a significant role in the life of its people: traditional games and pastimes. Understanding these activities not only enriches your understanding of the Kazakh language, but also gives you a glimpse into the values, history, and social fabric of Kazakhstan. Traditional games served as a means of entertainment, education, and social bonding among families and communities.

In this lesson, we will explore various traditional games, their significance, and how they are played. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage in practical exercises to reinforce your learning. Let's get started!

The Significance of Traditional Games[edit | edit source]

Traditional games in Kazakhstan are more than just a source of fun; they are a reflection of the nation's historical nomadic lifestyle, community spirit, and cultural heritage. These games often involve physical skills, strategy, and teamwork, and they serve as a means to foster social interaction among participants, especially children. Here are a few key points highlighting their importance:

Cultural Heritage: Traditional games help preserve Kazakh culture and teach younger generations about their history and values.

Social Skills: These games promote teamwork and cooperation, essential skills in Kazakh society.

Physical Activity: Many traditional games are physically demanding, encouraging a healthy lifestyle among participants.

Popular Traditional Games[edit | edit source]

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular traditional games in Kazakhstan. Each game has its own unique rules and characteristics, reflecting the cultural richness of the country.

1. Togyzkumalak[edit | edit source]

Togyzkumalak is a traditional board game that emphasizes strategy and critical thinking. Played on a board with 18 holes and 162 stones, this game is a favorite among Kazakh families. Here's how it works:

Objective: To capture more stones than your opponent.

Players: Two players.

Gameplay: Players take turns distributing stones from their holes, trying to capture stones from the opponent.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Тоғызқұмалақ	Togyzkumalak	Nine Stones

2. Kyz Kuar[edit | edit source]

Kyz Kuar, which translates to "Girl Chase," is a fun and energetic game often played during festivities. It involves a girl and a boy, where the boy must catch the girl while she tries to evade him.

Objective: The boy must catch the girl; if he does, he wins.

Players: A group, typically boys and girls.

Gameplay: The girl runs away, and the boy chases her, with the other players cheering them on.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Қыз қуу	Kyz Kuar	Girl Chase

3. Aikyn[edit | edit source]

Aikyn is a game that involves a circle of players who pass a ball around while singing or reciting poems. The game encourages creativity and expression.

Objective: To keep the ball moving while performing tasks (singing, reciting).

Players: Any number of players can participate.

Gameplay: Players must pass the ball without dropping it while performing a task.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Айқын	Aikyn	Clear/Expressive

4. Asyk Atu[edit | edit source]

Asyk Atu is a traditional game played with sheep ankle bones. Players throw the bones and score points based on how they land.

Objective: To score points by throwing bones into a designated area.

Players: Typically played in teams.

Gameplay: Players throw the bones and score points based on their landing position.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Асық ату	Asyk Atu	Throwing Bones

5. Jasyq Taba[edit | edit source]

This game is similar to tag but involves more rules and strategy. It’s often played in open spaces and encourages physical fitness.

Objective: To tag players who are "it" while avoiding being tagged yourself.

Players: Groups of kids.

Gameplay: Players run and dodge, trying not to get caught.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Жасық таба	Jasyq Taba	Tag Game

6. Kumys[edit | edit source]

Kumys is not just a drink but also a game involving the traditional fermented mare's milk. Players take turns drinking kumys while telling stories or sharing experiences.

Objective: To enjoy kumys while engaging in storytelling.

Players: Any number of participants.

Gameplay: Each player shares a story after taking a sip of kumys.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Құмыз	Kumys	Fermented Mare's Milk

7. Qyrq Qyz[edit | edit source]

Qyrq Qyz is a complex game similar to chess, played on a board. It requires strategic thinking and foresight.

Objective: To capture the opponent's pieces.

Players: Two players.

Gameplay: Players take turns moving pieces to outmaneuver each other.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Қырық қыз	Qyrq Qyz	Forty Girls

8. Tynym[edit | edit source]

Tynym is a game of skill where players try to throw a small object into a pot or a circle drawn on the ground.

Objective: To accurately throw the object into the target area.

Players: Two or more players.

Gameplay: Players take turns throwing and scoring points based on accuracy.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Тыным	Tynym	Target Game

9. Zharma[edit | edit source]

Zharma is a traditional wrestling game. It’s a popular sport during festivals and gatherings, showcasing strength and skill.

Objective: To pin your opponent to the ground.

Players: Two wrestlers.

Gameplay: Wrestlers engage in a match until one is pinned.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Жарма	Zharma	Wrestling

10. Osyk[edit | edit source]

Osyk is another game played with bones, where players aim to knock over a target by throwing the bones.

Objective: To knock down a target using bones.

Players: Teams or individuals.

Gameplay: Players take turns throwing bones at the target.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Осық	Osyk	Bone Target Game

11. Tartak[edit | edit source]

Tartak is a race game involving running while holding a stick. It’s common among children and fosters teamwork.

Objective: To complete the race while holding the stick.

Players: Teams of children.

Gameplay: Teams compete to finish the race first without dropping the stick.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Тартақ	Tartak	Running Game

12. Kokpar[edit | edit source]

Kokpar is a traditional horseback game where players compete to grab a goat carcass and bring it to a designated area. It’s a thrilling sport that requires skill and courage.

Objective: To score by bringing the goat carcass to your team's area.

Players: Typically played by horse riders.

Gameplay: Teams compete to grab and carry the carcass.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Көкпар	Kokpar	Goat Pulling

13. Bala Koy[edit | edit source]

This is a hide-and-seek game where one player has to find others hiding in a designated area. It promotes physical activity and social interaction.

Objective: To find all hidden players.

Players: Groups of children.

Gameplay: One player counts while others hide, then seeks them out.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Бала қой	Bala Koy	Child's Hide and Seek

14. Atysh[edit | edit source]

Atysh is a traditional game of verbal wit, where players take turns creating rhymes or poems. It encourages creativity and linguistic skills.

Objective: To create the best rhyme or poem.

Players: Any number of participants.

Gameplay: Players take turns performing their verses.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Атыш	Atysh	Rhyming Game

15. Altyn Tasy[edit | edit source]

This is a game of chance using a set of stones, where players bet on the outcome based on the stones drawn. It’s popular during gatherings and celebrations.

Objective: To win by predicting the correct stone.

Players: Groups of players.

Gameplay: Players draw stones and make bets.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Алтын тас	Altyn Tasy	Golden Stone Game

16. Salem[edit | edit source]

Salem is a traditional card game that brings people together. It’s played with a special deck of cards and emphasizes strategy.

Objective: To win tricks and points.

Players: Typically four players, in pairs.

Gameplay: Players play cards in turns, trying to win the most tricks.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Сәлем	Salem	Greeting Game

17. Tana[edit | edit source]

Tana involves a small ball and a circle drawn in the sand. Players take turns trying to hit the ball into the circle.

Objective: To hit the ball into the circle.

Players: Groups of children.

Gameplay: Players take turns trying to land the ball in the target.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Тана	Tana	Ball Target Game

18. Syrga[edit | edit source]

Syrga is a game played with a hoop where players aim to throw a small object through it. It’s a test of accuracy and skill.

Objective: To throw an object through the hoop.

Players: Any number of players.

Gameplay: Players take turns trying to score by passing the object through the hoop.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Сырға	Syrga	Hoop Game

19. Shashka[edit | edit source]

Shashka is a traditional board game, similar to checkers, that requires strategy and foresight.

Objective: To capture all the opponent's pieces.

Players: Two players.

Gameplay: Players take turns moving their pieces to outsmart each other.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Шашка	Shashka	Checkers Game

20. Kiyiz[edit | edit source]

Kiyiz is a game where players must create patterns with pieces of felt. This game promotes creativity and teamwork.

Objective: To create the most beautiful pattern using felt pieces.

Players: Groups of children.

Gameplay: Players work together to arrange their felt pieces.

Kazakh	Pronunciation	English
Киіз	Kiyiz	Felt Game

Exercises and Practice Scenarios[edit | edit source]

Now that you have learned about these traditional games, it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Here are some exercises designed to help you apply what you've learned.

Exercise 1: Vocabulary Match[edit | edit source]

Match the Kazakh terms with their English translations:

Kazakh	English
Тоғызқұмалақ	Nine Stones
Кыз қуу	Girl Chase
Айқын	Clear/Expressive
Асық ату	Throwing Bones
Жарма	Wrestling

Solution: Match the terms correctly to reinforce your vocabulary.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct Kazakh terms from the list provided.

List: Togyzkumalak, Kyz Kuar, Aikyn, Asyk Atu, Zharma

1. The game of ______ is played on a board with stones.

2. During the festival, we played ______ with all the children.

3. In ______, players pass a ball around while reciting poems.

Solution:

1. Togyzkumalak

2. Kyz Kuar

3. Aikyn

Exercise 3: Describe the Game[edit | edit source]

Choose one of the games mentioned and write a short description, including its rules and objective.

Solution: A sample response could be: "Togyzkumalak is a strategic board game played by two players. The objective is to capture more stones than your opponent by distributing stones from your holes on the board."

Exercise 4: Group Discussion[edit | edit source]

In small groups, discuss which traditional game you would like to play and why. Share your thoughts with the class.

Solution: Each group shares their preferred game and reasons for their choice.

Exercise 5: Create a Game[edit | edit source]

Invent your own traditional game inspired by Kazakh culture. Write down the rules and objectives.

Solution: Each student shares their invented game with the class.

Exercise 6: Role-play[edit | edit source]

In pairs, role-play a scenario where you explain the rules of one traditional game to a friend who has never played it before.

Solution: Students demonstrate their understanding of the rules through role-play.

Exercise 7: Game Poster[edit | edit source]

Create a poster about one traditional game, including its name, rules, and cultural significance.

Solution: Students present their posters to the class.

Exercise 8: True or False[edit | edit source]

Create true or false statements about the games learned in this lesson. For example: "Kyz Kuar is a board game."

Solution: Students discuss and determine the accuracy of each statement.

Exercise 9: Game Simulation[edit | edit source]

Simulate one of the games in class, such as Kyz Kuar or Togyzkumalak. Take turns playing and following the rules.

Solution: Students engage in playing the chosen game.

Exercise 10: Reflection[edit | edit source]

Reflect on what you learned about Kazakh traditional games. Write a short paragraph about your experience.

Solution: Students write and share their reflections with the class.

As we conclude this lesson, remember that traditional games and pastimes are a vital part of Kazakh culture. They not only entertain but also educate and connect people. By learning about them, you are taking a step closer to understanding the rich heritage of Kazakhstan and its people. Keep practicing, and I look forward to our next adventure in the world of Kazakh language and culture!

Table of Contents - Kazakh Course - 0 to A1[edit source]

Course Presentation

Kazakh Pronunciation

Greetings and Basic Expressions

Kazakh Cases

Food and Drink

Verbs

Traditions and Customs

Family and Relationships

Adjectives

Traveling and Directions

Pronouns

Shopping and Consumerism

Art and Literature

Adverbs

Health and Medical Emergencies

Sports and Recreation

Prepositions and Postpositions

Nature and Environment

Sources[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]

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