On 21 October at 10:00, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University hosted a linguistics research seminar entitled “Metacognitive Models in the Poetics of the Mangystau Zhyrau: The Concepts of Creation, Death, and the Self.” The event explored the cognitive depth of Kazakhstan’s literary heritage through the lens of contemporary linguistics and brought together faculty members, undergraduate and master’s students, and invited guests.

The distinguished guest was Bibaisha Nurdauletova, Doctor of Philological Sciences and Professor at Sh.Yessenov Caspian University of Technology and Engineering. Her presentation examined the concepts of creation, death, and the self in the poetic heritage of the Mangystau zhyrau-traditional Kazakh poet-singers-from a metacognitive perspective.

The seminar focused on the interconnected themes of humanity and the world, the meaning of life, existence, and self-knowledge as expressed in the works of the zhyrau. Examining language use and figurative thought in their poetry from this perspective offers a deeper understanding of how the national worldview is expressed through language. This approach presents traditional heritage not only as an artistic record of the past but also as a valuable source of knowledge for contemporary research.

The meeting was also of particular educational value to students. Learning about an established scholar’s research interests and approaches to interpreting literary texts helps undergraduate and master’s students develop their own research thinking. Asking new questions about national heritage and exploring its underlying meanings encourages young researchers’ interest in scholarship and provides direction for their professional development.

Meaningful encounters of this kind sustain continuity between generations of scholars. An experienced researcher’s academic journey, respect for national literary traditions, and scholarly principles offer an inspiring example to young people and deepen their commitment to learning. Further events of this kind will help nurture a new generation of researchers who value national heritage and seek to advance its study through fresh scholarly perspectives.

At the close of the seminar, Bibaisha Nurdauletova was thanked on behalf of the university leadership and the organisers for her contribution to the study of national heritage and for sharing her scholarly expertise. She was presented with a letter of appreciation and commemorative gifts from Abai University.

We express our gratitude to E. Kassenov, Head of the Department of Kazakh Language Theory and Teaching Methodology; K.O. Yessenova, Doctor of Philological Sciences and Professor; and G.E. Dyusembina, PhD and Associate Professor, for organising the event and supporting its successful delivery. We hope that meetings of this kind, which strengthen continuity between generations of scholars and encourage young people to pursue research, will continue in the years ahead.