Abstract
This paper discusses how the presence of cultural and lingual differences could possibly influence the construction and perception of social stereotypes. Stereotypes are central to social perception and function in interpersonal interaction as heuristics for rapid processing of information about any social group. Therefore, this study intends to ruminate on how stereotypical thinking and social behavior in Kazakhstan might be influenced by cultural and lingual differences. The main areas to be researched are: analysis of stereotypes by means of warmth and competence, their impact on emotional and behavioral reactions toward different groups. This study is going to have a great scientific and practical value as the results will shape intercultural strategies for mutual understanding and decrease stereotypes as barriers in multicultural societies. To research the conditions under which linguistic sub-group affiliation (Kazakh, Russian, and bilingually affiliated Kazakhs) within a single ethnic group influences the perception of stereotypes in Kazakhstan, 172 students participated in an empirical study. The methods involved factor analysis to reveal perception key aspects. The results testify to the presence of serious differences in the perception of interpersonal relations, public values, and self-esteem among representatives of different language groups and emphasize the importance of taking cultural characteristics into account within educational and social programs. Conclusions have confirmed that significant distortions in the perception of the world, based on cultural and linguistic differences, can evoke misunderstandings and conflicts in intercultural communication. That would contribute to understanding how differences in culture and language affect forming stereotypes and interpersonal relationships. The findings can be used for the development of social and educational programs towards fostering tolerance and the improvement of intercultural dialogue. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its results will be applied to produce intercultural educational programs and strategies aimed at a decrease in stereotypical barriers and an increase in intercultural interaction in different social settings. Keywords: social stereotypes, cultural differences, linguistic identity, Kazakh-speaking, Russian-speaking, bilingual, factor analysis.