In recent days, there have been discussions on social networks about the issue of communication in the Uzbek language. In particular, the fact that service providers in stores, canteens, and restaurants speak Russian is causing dissatisfaction among many. So, are citizens in Uzbekistan obligated to use the state language in mutual communication? The Ministry of Justice answered this question, which interested many.
Today, the main document regulating the use of the Uzbek language as the state language is the Law "On the State Language."
According to the law, legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan, other acts of state authorities and administration are adopted and published in the state language. Translations of these documents are also published in other languages.
In state bodies of power and administration, work is conducted in the state language and, if necessary, translation into other languages is ensured.
Clerical, accounting, statistical, and financial documentation in enterprises, institutions, organizations, and public associations is conducted in the state language, and in collectives where the majority of employees do not speak Uzbek, it can be conducted in other languages along with the state language.
According to the Law "On Advertising," advertising in the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan is distributed in the state language. In this case, a repetition of the translation of the advertising content in other languages is allowed.
In accordance with the Law "On Protection of Consumer Rights," information about goods (works, services) is provided to the consumer in the state language. This information may be additionally provided in other languages.
At the same time, the legislation does not specify strict and mandatory requirements for the language used by citizens in the process of mutual communication.
Ensuring interethnic harmony and tolerance in Uzbekistan, respecting the identity of each nation and people is one of the important directions of state policy.
At the same time, equal rights will be ensured for all citizens to speak their native language, receive education, and develop cultural values.
In particular, according to the Law "On the State Language," granting the Uzbek language the status of the state language does not interfere with the constitutional rights of nationalities and ethnic groups living in the territory of the republic to use their native language.
Indeed, according to the Constitution, all citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan have equal rights and freedoms and are equal before the law regardless of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, beliefs, social origin, or social status.
Based on the foregoing, when covering issues that may affect interethnic relations, it is advisable to ensure compliance with the legislation of Uzbekistan, as well as the norms of universal and professional ethics.
At the same time, it is also noted that infringement of the rights of citizens of Uzbekistan to use the language and the initiation of a dispute on this basis entails liability.
