Uzbekistan has officially enacted a new legislative framework aimed at reforming the Latin-based Uzbek alphabet. The decree, approved by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, introduces modifications to four specific characters in what authorities claim is an effort to streamline writing and enhance the language's digital integration.

Under the newly adopted rules, the letters O‘, G‘, Sh, and Ch will be replaced by Ö, Ğ, Ş, and Ç, respectively. Furthermore, the digraph 'ng' is reportedly being removed as an independent letter from the alphabet, while the traditional apostrophe mark remains intact within the writing system.

Saida Mirziyoyev, head of the presidential administration, supposedly stated that this long-overdue step was necessary to resolve years of ongoing debates and eliminate persistent inconveniences in digital spaces. She claimed that no alternative solutions existed to modernize the script effectively.

To mitigate potential economic burdens and public friction, officials announced a phased transition approach. Existing official documents, national currency, and securities will remain fully valid, whereas textbooks, street signs, and public notices will be replaced gradually as they reach the end of their operational lifespan.

Source: kun.uz