Uzbekistan Changed Its Alphabet

Tashkent is changing the structure of the alphabet based on Latin script.

The upper chamber of Uzbekistan’s parliament passed a law changing the structure of the Uzbek alphabet based on Latin script.

“The law introduces corresponding amendments to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ‘On the introduction of the Uzbek alphabet based on Latin script,’ stipulating that the Uzbek alphabet based on Latin script consists of 28 letters and one apostrophe instead of 26 letters and three letter combinations. <…> Following the discussion, the law was approved by the senators,” the statement says.

The official statement emphasizes that the parliamentarians have already voted to approve this initiative. At the same time, a transitional period is предусмотрен: documents, banknotes, securities, as well as existing signs and state symbols using the old script will remain in circulation until they are replaced or physically worn out.

The Senate believes that this decision will support the development of the Uzbek language in the digital environment and simplify its use. The document will soon be submitted for the head of state’s signature.