There is a widespread belief that Kyrgyzstan has failed to create a Kyrgyz nation state, a national consciousness and a common identity for all Kyrgyz people. Instability in social and political structures is attributed to the lack of a sense of belonging in the republic due to the existence of various groups and identities. The literature on the subject often links this to regional differences, ethnic conflicts between northern and southern regions, the ethnic heterogeneity of the country and a long tradition of clan and tribal identity among the Kyrgyz people. However, it overlooks the fact that there is also considerable variation within these groups, which extends beyond the boundaries of the supposed entities. Empirical and qualitative data were used to illustrate how this variety manifests itself in social and linguistic structures.