How Do You Spell LAKE BALKHASH?

Pronunciation: [lˈe͡ɪk bˈɔːlkhaʃ] (IPA)

Lake Balkhash, located in Kazakhstan, is spelled with the phonetic transcription /leɪk ˈbælkæʃ/. The first part "leɪk" represents the English word "lake." The second part "ˈbælkæʃ" represents the Kazakh pronunciation. The "b" is pronounced with a short, unstressed "a" sound, the "l" is pronounced as "ɫ," and the "k" is pronounced as a back-of-the-throat "q" sound. The final "sh" is pronounced as "ʃ," making the word sound like "balkash."

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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LAKE BALKHASH Meaning and Definition

  1. Lake Balkhash is a large, shallow, and intercontinental lake located in southeastern Kazakhstan. It spans an area of approximately 18,428 square kilometers (7,124 square miles) and is situated at an altitude of 340 meters (1,120 feet) above sea level. It is considered one of the largest lakes in Asia and one of the world's unique bodies of water due to its stratification, with the western half significantly saline and the eastern half largely fresh.

    The lake is fed by multiple rivers, including the Ili River from the north and the Karatal River from the south. It is elongated in shape, stretching over 600 kilometers (370 miles) from west to east. The eastern part of Lake Balkhash is predominantly freshwater, receiving inflow from the Ili River, while the western part has a higher concentration of salt due to evaporation and limited water exchange.

    Lake Balkhash is renowned for its rich biodiversity, serving as a habitat for various aquatic species and supporting commercial fishing activities, primarily focused on carp, perch, and pike. The lake also plays a crucial role in regional water management, providing water for irrigation, industrial, and domestic purposes.

    Due to its strategic location and environmental significance, Lake Balkhash has been recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It attracts tourists and researchers alike, offering opportunities for recreational fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The region surrounding the lake is characterized by diverse landscapes, including vast steppe plains, desert areas, and mountain ranges, contributing to its visual appeal and ecological value.

Etymology of LAKE BALKHASH

The word "Lake Balkhash" gets its name from the Russian and Kazakh languages.

The term "lake" comes from the Old English word "lacu" and has roots in various Germanic languages. "Lake" refers to a large body of inland water, typically freshwater.

The word "Balkhash" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "Bal" and "Khash". "Bal" means "fish" in Kazakh, while "Khash" means "lowland" or "shallow" in the same language. Therefore, "Balkhash" could be translated as "fish lowland" or "shallow fish".

Lake Balkhash is one of the largest lakes in Central Asia, located in southeastern Kazakhstan.