Deputies pass law to modify Uzbek alphabet

The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan's parliament has passed a law to modify the Latin-based Uzbek alphabet, approving the changes in three readings without a single dissenting vote. The document now moves to the Senate for consideration.

This legislative move revisits the alphabet's evolution, which has seen multiple shifts. Uzbekistan adopted a Latin-based alphabet in 1993, replacing the Cyrillic script used during the Soviet era. Prior to that, Latin script was introduced in 1929 to replace Arabic calligraphy, only to be replaced by Cyrillic again in 1940. The 1993 Latin alphabet underwent minor changes in 1995, including the introduction of digraphs and the removal of the letter 'C'. Despite the intention for a full transition by 2000, both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets remain in wide use over 30 years later.

The current proposed changes are described as an improvement rather than a fundamental overhaul. Bakhrom Abdukhalimov, vice president of the Academy of Sciences, explained that the modifications target four letters: 'o‘', 'g‘', 'ch', and 'sh'. These will be replaced by single characters: 'Ö' for 'o‘', 'Ğ' for 'g‘', 'Ç' for 'ch', and 'Ş' for 'sh'. The updated alphabet will consist of 28 letters and one apostrophe, down from the current 26 letters and three digraphs. The fate of the digraph 'Ng' remains under discussion, with a 2021 draft proposal suggesting its potential removal.

During the parliamentary session, deputies discussed strategies for effective and phased implementation of the new standards. Measures were proposed to ensure that documents, currency, and securities issued before the law takes effect retain their legal validity. Provisions were also made for the continued use of official symbols, signage, and navigation associated with state bodies and organizations until a specified deadline. This phased approach aims to prevent significant state budget expenditures and ensure financial feasibility during the transition. Parliamentarians believe the law will refine the alphabet's orthography, expand the use of the state language, and advance its development.

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The updated alphabet includes 28 letters and 1 apostrophe, replacing the current 26 letters and 3 digraphs.