However, many Kirgiz words were borrowed from the Chinese language. Kirgiz live the life of a nomad, traveling year-round with their white tents and herds of cattle and sheep. They live on plains near rivers in the summer and on sunny mountain slopes during the winter. Their square tents are made of felt and are fenced around with red willow stakes. Families generally have three generations living together with married sons living with their parents.
Men herd the horses and cattle, cut grass and wood and do heavy household chores.
Women lead a hard life. They raise children, look after their husbands and in-laws, tend to the household chores, knit carpets, make felt rugs, milk the horses and tend to the sheep. They are responsible for milking and shearing them as well as delivering the lambs. Nevertheless, their social status has improved since liberation with its advocacy for gender equality and, since then, women have received higher positions. Women wear loose jackets that reach just above their knees with long skirts.