«How to debate in English or wise advice from legends»

English debate is something new to the Debate Community of Astana(DCA). But new doesn't always mean bad. English league expands extremely fast. And English debate develops thanks to people who work hard for victory, strive for self-improvement and new knowledge.

In the interview they answered main questions about their experience in the English debates, barriers and difficulties they faced, advice and wishes to the newcomers and people who are interested in the debates in English.

Let's start with introducing the Legends:

Xeniya Pridatchenko - ex-English league coordinator, DC "Parassat"

I came up with the debates at fall 2011, still can't figure it out what was the exact reason for me to come to open meeting of DC Parassat. One of them might be my love to English and discussions. That time it was really difficult to develop your skills exactly in English debating because of lack of participants in our league, but whenever we tried to create smth new that could be useful in future for newcomers. And I hope we've succeed.

There are many difficulties when you try to build smth from the new ground. On 2011 alamnies and participants of English League were the smallest community in DCA. Didn't you think I have a thought to give up and leave the debates? I had for sure. But the idea that some day Astana would play English debates and I can help to reach this aim was always on my mind. For that time I didn't have good managment skills, and even a team. But my club and my friends stood by my side and helped me with everything that they could. From year to year each club of DCA tried to catch good debaters to its own EL and by these small steps we are here today. We have our own debate tournaments and championships, EL Coordinater, trips to world debate academies and even participate there as coachers.

Firstly, I didn't forget the language, because debates are the only area for me to train my speaking skills. English Debates helped me to treat my mind with developing ideas exactly in English, not talking about critical thinking as well. By organizing a plenty of EL debate events I've learned how to manage time and work with people. By training/coaching newcomers you overcome with your own mistakes in debates, so logically you being better because of them. I want to thank debates for experience I got through all these amazing and exciting 4 years. I travelled almost every city of my motherland and have been to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. I guess I shouldn't tell you how much good friend debates gave me.

You should overcome the fear that you won't succeed because it's not true. You should understand that it's more difficult to debate in English than in Russian or Kazakh: you should develop not only your critical and speaking skills, but should improve your language, broaden vocabulary. When it comes for a choice you should understand that English debates have more opportunities to represent you, your club and your country all over the world, the same you won't meet in other language leagues. My advice for you would be as never stop improving yourself and dream about big victories that are waiting for you ahead.

Gaziz Abishev- Independent speaker

I have started to play in english in 2013. My tournament was the Kul-Tegin Cup, first partner - Togzhan Dzhumagulova

The only barrier is spoken english. It is easy to fix this by permanent practice.I have improved my english speaking and thinking skills by playing debates in English.

English is future, instrument to be intergrated to the world information field. Watch english movies, series and political tv-shows, read newspapers, journals and books.

Ulpan Kabiyeva- ex-president of DC "Orda"

2 years ago I've started to play debates in english, it was my third year of studying at university, so I think my experience is good example of point that It is never late to start. The reason why I've started is lying in my wish to develop english league in Orda DC. My first teammate was Ruslan Kiimbayev, incredible debater, who inspired me to continue.

I'm still more than completely sure that I am awful english speaker so I try to do something with it watching movies in english and repeating the phrases that was hard to understand. And, of course, it is important to be involved in debates.Speaking skills and really exciting travels!

You'll find everything you would need in your life there. So my advice is to work hard if you became a debater, because all advantages that I achieved is a result of spending huge mount of time in debates.

Madina Kabdualiyeva -DC "Nomad"

My overall debating experience is about 2,5 years, and during this time I played both in English and Russian. The first time I participated in the English league tournament was the year of 2013, when I registered for the English Cup, which was specially adapted for the debaters from other leagues. From that time on I understood that I can contribute to the development of this league in Astana, even if this contribution will not be the greatest.  In the season of 2013-2014 I was one of the organizers of traditional ELI-cup, as well as played the role of deputy chief adjudicator on the Newcomers Tournament. In December of 2013 I had a great opportunity to participate in International Debate Academy in Slovenia, which was also my first international tournament. Soon after the academy I was awarded with the medal of the best speaker and came second with my teammate Azat Gabdolla on the international tournament Outbreak Cup in Kyrgyzstan. Inspired with the experience I acquired on IDAS, I, Inkar Aitkuzhina, Amanda Frank as well as our clubmates from Nomad DC decided to organize the first debating academy in Kazakhstan, where I served the role of tournament director. In the season of 2014-2015 I was a deputy chief adjudicator of the Newcomers Tournament and went to WUDC in Kuala Lumpur with Inkar Aitkuzhina, where we made it to the semifinals in the EFL category, which I recognize as my main achievement in the English League so far.

The difficulties that I have faced usually relate to the debates themselves rather than to a particular league. I master my weaknesses as time passes and as I become more experienced. Nevertheless, recalling my previous experience in foreign championships, I had some troubles with playing against the native speakers. The difference between a debater from ENL and the one from EFL is frequently visible, and I am not an exception.

It should be accepted that the English language dominates the world of debates. Personally for me, the English league is the way to communicate with international debating community and see the round of the greatest debaters on our planet. I hope that our debating society will also develop strong school of debating in English so that our representatives will be able to go abroad and show what Kazakhstani students can do! And I am glad to be a part of this global movement.

My major advice to all newcomers: do not be afraid of both debating and debating in English. As a constant adjudicator of the newcomers tournament, I frequently see many students who have no confidence in their words just because they sound in a foreign language. Remember, you are already doing great just because you decided to try to play in English. Speaking skills will come with practice, do not make the language to prevent you from joining the community of debaters playing in English. I believe that Kazakhstan should become more active on international arena and pay more attention on the development of debating in English. It will open you a great amount of opportunities since you will meet student from other countries, so English league is kind of bridge that connects all of us together.

Timur Baiguzhinov- DC "Parassat"

I started playing debates my second year in school, in 2007. I joined Parasat which was an obvious decision: I've heard about it from Askhat Sergazin and Nikolai Tyan almost my first days at the faculty, plus most of International relations students (like myself) were already there. All i had to choose was which language I want to play debates in. I thought that doing debates and practising English at the same time would be a great asset, so i chose English league of Parasat. At that point, it was the smalles leagues: at its best times there were 5 or 6 people.

Biggest challenge for English league at that time was lack of people: there were pretty much no experienced judges, no tournaments that would have a separate English league. Plus, for any speaker there were always 2 problems: to express thoughts clearly, in an interesting way and to be able to understand opponents. This first problem I tried to overcome by watching news, reading newspapers (particularly, political topics) and conversing with English-speaking expats as much as possible.

The best things I achieved doing debates were finding new friends, learning a lot of new interesting facts about politics, history and world in general, expanding my vocabulary and, most important, finding confidence in speaking on any topic.

Currently, playing debates in English is more prestigious than it used to be as it opens opportunities for participating in international debate tournaments (like WUDC). In any case, having a strong conversational English would be a great asset for any carrier.

Ruslan Konurbayev- DC "Nomad"

I started to debate in English four years ago. It was my first year at the university. To tell the truth, my desicion to try English was partially related to my problems with the absence of wins in Russian league. However, the main cause was my curiosity. It was brand new for me. Student Club Championship in 2012 may be considered as my first English league cup. This was a good place to start due to the high level of motivation which is inherent for this specific event.

Of course, one of the main problems was poor vocabulary. Actually, it was the most painful aspect in comparison to others. I hate this awkward feeling: your speech is bright and inspiring, but in the most important moment you forget the word you need right now. Obviously, it would not be a really serious if I used Russian. But I have no ability to speak Russian! That made me to read more. Books, articles, magazines...all this stuff helped to learn more words and eradicate aforementioned stupid situations.

Well, I think that there is no need to mention improved English. It is predictable and quite banal. The greatest advantages that I received from debates in English were both ability and habit to read and analyze foreign sources. It is much more helpful than the same action for Russian or Kazakh sources. I like all languages, but English is an international language for the whole world. Try to read English Wikipedia - at least they have more articles than others.

Read more and more. Good debaters are always hungry, but their food is written, not cooked. Don't forget to practice every time you have. It will help to adopt and destroy shyness or language barrier. And finally - don't be afraid of anything! Even mistakes will make you better. Eliminate your fear!

Ozhet Shegirbayev - Independent speaker

I participate in the Debate program since 2000 or 2001, I do not remember exactly. But I started debate in english league only in 2009 when I participated in the Central Asian-Cup which was held in AUCA (Kyrgyzstan). At those time, despite my awfull english and an excellent knowledge of subjects and my partner (who knew the language perfectly) we took the 3rd place . Since then, I was participaing in different tournaments both in Russian and English leagues. My shift to the English League took place two or three years ago, when I faced loss of my language skills (language is actually a skill).

The main problems were classic: poor vocabulary, I didn't knew how to express a particular idea, a terrible accent (as in "Red Heat", tovarisch), etc., etc. But the main thing in such a situation is just do not give up, and train yourself. Before that, I read different sorts o books (study, novels, fictions), and watched movies in english with subtitles - it was very helpful. But my speaking grew up exactly because of english debates.

English debates helped me to finally break my language barrier, to develop it and bring it to more or less acceptable level. This is one of most important qualities for me know due to my job where I have from time to time to communicate with foreigners, to participate in negotiations, and sometimes translate into negotiations. In addition, thanks to my knowledge of english I could take part in several international programs, which were fully paid by the host country.

The question should be put not that "why they should debate in English", but "how to do it." Language now, it is not some extra luxury, it's a professional necessity. A lot of companies requires knowledge of English. Moreover, in order to be competitive on the job-market, knowledge of only one language is not enough now. In this case, it is important to be selfmotivated and directed to self-improvement. Of coure it will need a discipline, but I want to assure You that result will fully satisfy You! The one last thing, guys, debates is not only a game, your debate team, your club and whole community is also a huge family, so, try to be also a good man, good friend, a shield for your family and teacher for your future students...and of course...MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

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If you are interested in the English Debate you can find more information here: http://vk.com/championscupofastana2015

Tokzhan Zharkenova, 2015