The key facts
- The law was signed on October 21, on Uzbek Language Day
- The changes affect the spelling of O‘, G‘, Sh and Ch — they will be replaced with Ö, Ğ, Ş and Ç
- Documents, money and securities do not need to be changed; the transition is gradual
Reform of the Uzbek alphabet
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law changing the national alphabet based on Latin script. The reform will affect the spelling of four letters: instead of O‘, G‘, Sh and Ch, the letters Ö, Ğ, Ş and Ç will be used. In addition, the combination Ng will be removed from the alphabet as a standalone letter. As a result, the updated system will consist of 28 letters and one apostrophe.
Comments from the authorities
Head of the presidential administration Saida Mirziyoyeva wrote on her Telegram channel: “A long-standing historical mistake has finally been corrected,” recalling that disputes over Uzbek writing had continued for years. According to her, the main goal of the reform is to eliminate inconveniences in writing and simplify the use of the Uzbek language in the digital environment. She first proposed revising the alphabet in December 2023 at a conference dedicated to the legacy of the Jadids.
Transition period
The transition to the new rules will be gradual. Previously issued documents will remain legally valid; there will be no need to change the national currency or securities. Textbooks, signs and signposts will begin to be updated as they reach the end of their service life, in order to avoid additional expenses.
Date and background
The law was signed on October 21, the day Uzbekistan celebrates Uzbek Language Day. Mirziyoyeva expressed hope that the updated writing system will help improve literacy among young people and strengthen the prestige of the native language. Earlier, on September 10, the Senate of Uzbekistan approved the changes to the alphabet law: senators supported abandoning inconvenient letter combinations and introducing new symbols. The authorities expect that the reform will make typing texts on computers and smartphones easier, as well as the use of the Uzbek language in electronic document management.
