Alphabet Reform: New 4-letter forms project is announced

On September 22, a national scientific-theoretical conference dedicated to improving the Uzbek alphabet based on the Latin script took place at Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, named after Alisher Navoi. This event was reported by UzA.

During the conference, a presentation of the project for an updated Uzbek alphabet based on the Latin script was given. Yorqinjon Odilov, the Head of the Department at the Institute of Uzbek Language, Literature, and Folklore, discussed the proposed changes regarding the transition to the new Uzbek alphabet.

The working group presented an improved alphabet project during the conference, consisting of 28 letters, 1 letter combination, and a hyphen. The proposal includes slight changes to the form of the following 4 letters:

- O' → Õ
- G' → Ğ
- Ch → C
- Sh → Ş

The presentation also demonstrated how these modified letters would appear on the Uzbek keyboard.

"In his pre-election meeting in Tashkent this year, the head of state outlined several tasks for improving our alphabet based on the Latin script. In light of this, we deemed it necessary to collaborate with scientists, the academic community, linguists, intellectuals, cultural workers, and media professionals. We believe that our suggestions should be grounded in scientific, logical, and practical considerations," stated Nadir Kholbotayev, the head of the State Language Development Department under the Cabinet of Ministers.

Experts noted that the creation of this project option took into account scientific, logical, educational, and technical aspects.

During the conference, participants emphasized the urgency of the matter. The public has long expressed concerns about the existing shortcomings in our alphabet, emphasizing the need for their resolution.

It is worth reminding you that the Republic of Uzbekistan had previously announced the draft law titled "On Amendments to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Introduction of the Uzbek Alphabet Based on the Latin Script," which includes the proposed letter changes.