It is well known that the state language is a powerful tool that unites people in political, social, and cultural spheres. Fortunately, our native language – the state language – is among the 40 most widely spoken languages in the world. Today, with around 60 million speakers worldwide, the Uzbek language is becoming one of the most prominent languages globally.
The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the State Language” was adopted 36 years ago, on October 21, 1989 – almost two years before the declaration of independence.
In the final years of the Soviet regime, the Uzbek language, as a state language, became a unifying force for our people and a driver of societal mobilization toward great goals. This step at that time was one of the courageous moves leading to our country’s state independence.
Furthermore, the key legal norms reflected in the 1989 Law “On the State Language” were later enshrined in Article 4 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
“The state language of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be the Uzbek language. The Republic of Uzbekistan shall ensure respect for the languages, customs, and traditions of all nationalities and ethnic groups living on its territory and create conditions for their development.”
By the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated October 21, 2019, titled "On Measures to Fundamentally Increase the Prestige of the Uzbek Language as the State Language," October 21 was declared the “Day of the Uzbek Language.” A special law establishing this date was adopted on April 10, 2020.
The historical significance of the day when the Law "On the State Language" was adopted receives great attention in our country. This date is of exceptional spiritual, educational, legal, and political importance.
As the President emphasized, our noble aspirations to build a New Uzbekistan have entered a decisive stage. In this process, our native language – a symbol of national identity and pride – serves as a source of strength and inspiration.
This was also reflected in the Presidential Decree signed on October 20, 2020: "On Measures for the Development of the Uzbek Language and the Improvement of Language Policy."
According to the decree, a long-term concept and key directions for developing the Uzbek language and language policy from 2020 to 2030 were approved.
Key directions include:
• Expanding Uzbek-speaking groups in preschool institutions to 72% by 2025 and 80% by 2030;
• Increasing Uzbek language instruction in schools from 84 to 110 hours per week;
• Expanding Uzbek language departments in universities to 120 by 2025 and to 140 by 2030;
• Publishing volumes of the "National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan" in Latin script;
• Preparing 15 linguistic, sectoral, terminological, and explanatory dictionaries in 2020;
• Providing retraining courses for TV and radio announcers to improve their command of literary Uzbek, with full coverage by 2030;
• Developing 14 electronic document templates in Uzbek by 2025 and 25 by 2030 for various fields;
• Creating software and applications, including Uzbek language electronic dictionaries;
• Developing Uzbek language programs for foreigners;
• Expanding Uzbek language teaching centers in foreign universities from 17 to 60 by 2030.
Additionally, translation software for converting between Uzbek and major foreign languages is being planned.
Currently, systemic efforts are underway to implement the use of the state language across public administration, modern and innovative technologies, industry, banking and finance, law, diplomacy, medicine, law enforcement, and the military. As our President stated, “The issue of the state language should be one of the fundamental principles of our national ideology.”
In the New Uzbekistan, new initiatives are being put forward to fundamentally increase the prestige of the state language in public life and the international arena, raise the patriotic spirit of the youth, nurture loyalty to national traditions and values, promote respect for the heritage of our great ancestors, and fully enforce the use of the state language.
These efforts are aimed not only at addressing existing problems and shortcomings but also at strengthening the status of the state language in accordance with the demands of the times.
The Uzbek language is a key factor in the unity and integrity of Uzbekistan and the harmony of society.
In recent years, political and practical efforts to enhance the value and prestige of the native language have entered a new stage in all spheres of life. This is evidenced by historic decrees and decisions aimed at elevating the status of Uzbek as the state language.
Notably, the Department for the Development of the State Language under the Cabinet of Ministers and the Uzbek Language Development Fund are actively operating.
New specializations in practical philology and computational linguistics have been launched at the Alisher Navoi Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature. The university has also established a training and professional development center for working in the state language, special training courses, and the Alisher Navoi International Foundation.
Uzbekistan’s membership in the Organization of Turkic States is contributing to the strengthening of economic ties and the enhancement of the international prestige of Turkic languages, including Uzbek. At Uzbekistan’s initiative, the organization has established the International Prize named after Alisher Navoi.
Importantly, representatives of different nationalities and ethnic groups in our country are actively learning Uzbek, considering Uzbekistan their common home.
In conclusion, the state language is the embodiment of our people's spirit, identity, and unity – and a symbol of our state's power. Therefore, preserving and developing it is a moral duty for every citizen, regardless of nationality. Our shared responsibility is to further develop the Uzbek language and strengthen its status and prestige as the state language.
On April 8, 2025, a conversation was held at the Navoi Region SÉMС on the topic
“The State Language – A Symbol of National Power!”
At the event, senior engineer J. Omonov discussed with attendees the importance of the state language for employees, its role in shaping statehood, and its function as a unifying tool among representatives of different nationalities. He also emphasized how President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s speeches in Uzbek at various political and social events are warmly welcomed by Turkic-speaking peoples, evoking pride in every Uzbek heart.
Prepared by: A. Narziyev, Engineer at Navoi Region SÉMС
