Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law providing for changes to the Latin-script Uzbek alphabet.
Modern.az reports that Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Presidential Administration, announced this. The signing of the law was announced on October 21 - Uzbek Language Day.
According to the changes, the combination "Sh" is replaced by "Ş", "Ch" - "Ç", "Oʻ" - "Ö", and "Gʻ" - "Ğ". The combination "Ng" is removed from the alphabet as a separate unit. Thus, the updated alphabet will consist of 28 letters and one apostrophe.
Saida Mirziyoyeva stated that the goal is to eliminate shortcomings in the writing system and facilitate the use of the Uzbek language in the digital environment. Existing documents, national currency, and securities will remain valid. Textbooks, boards, and indicators will be updated gradually.
The transition to the new alphabet in schools is planned to begin in 2027 with first grades, and the complete renewal of textbooks is expected to be completed by 2031.
