Senate approves changes to Uzbek alphabet
During a Senate plenary session, the Law “On introducing amendments to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ‘On the introduction of the Uzbek alphabet based on the Latin script’” was discussed.
Odiljon Mamatkarimov, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science, Education and Healthcare, stated that the country is taking systematic steps to develop the Uzbek language and enhance its status as the official language. He also mentioned that the international standing of the Uzbek language continues to improve.
Under the proposed amendments, the Uzbek alphabet will consist of 28 letters and one apostrophe, instead of the current 26 letters and three-letter combinations.
To safeguard the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and organizations during the transition, documents issued in the current alphabet before the law’s enactment, along with the national currency and securities, can remain in circulation without restrictions. Additionally, certain symbols, signs, and signboards belonging to government agencies and organizations may continue to be used until they are physically worn out or their designated usage period expires.
During the discussion, senators inquired about the practical implementation of the Uzbek alphabet using the Latin script. Specifically, Senator Khusan Ermatov asked whether the new letters might create technical challenges.
Nurillo Abdullayev, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies, stated that a unified technical standard is in development, information databases are under audit, and search mechanisms are being enhanced to support the new letters.
The law approved by senators seeks to enhance the Uzbek alphabet and spelling rules based on the Latin script, increase the use of the state language, and promote its digitalization.
N. Abduraimova, photos by N. Haydarov, UzA
