A draft law aimed at improving the Uzbek alphabet based on the Latin script has been adopted by deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and sent to the Senate.
According to the document, it is proposed to introduce a new alphabet consisting of 28 letters and 1 apostrophe instead of the current alphabet, which comprises 26 letters and 3 letter combinations. Additionally, clarifications regarding the use of certain letters are envisaged.
In the new version, two-character letter combinations are abolished and represented by a single character. In particular, it is proposed to use "Ş" instead of "Sh", "Ç" instead of "Ch", "Ö" instead of "Oʻ", and "Ğ" instead of "Gʻ". At the same time, it is planned to abandon the letter combination "Ng".
During the discussions, deputies also made proposals for the phased implementation of the law. In particular, documents formalized before the law enters into force, as well as national currency, securities, letterheads of state bodies and organizations, symbols, and other attributes, will remain valid until a specified period.
It is noted that this approach eliminates the need for simultaneous replacement of documents, forms, signs, and other means in state institutions. This, in turn, helps prevent unnecessary expenditures from the state budget.
Scientists from the Institute of Uzbek Language, Literature and Folklore of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan also participated in the development of this draft law.
Let us recall that this draft law was first put up for public discussion in March 2021. In September 2023, the working group presented an updated version of the alphabet.
