During the 19th session, the Senate approved a law concerning the introduction of an Uzbek alphabet based on the Latin script. This was reported by the press service of the upper house.
According to this law, the Uzbek Latin alphabet will undergo changes: four letters will begin to be written in a new way, and the combination Ng will be excluded from the alphabet.
The existing Uzbek Latin alphabet, consisting of 26 letters and three letter combinations, is planned to be replaced by a new alphabet that will include 28 letters and one diacritical mark.
The current alphabet contains three letter combinations: Sh, Ch, and Ng. In the new alphabet, Sh will be replaced by the separate letter Ş, and Ch by Ç. Thus, the total number of letters will increase from 26 to 28. The combination Ng will be completely eliminated as a separate letter.
Furthermore, the spelling of the letters Oʻ and Gʻ will change; they will be replaced by the corresponding forms Ö and Ğ. The diacritical mark will retain its status as a separate sign in the alphabet.
It is emphasized that all official documents, national currency, and securities issued under the current alphabet will remain valid until the law comes into force. Additionally, state institutions can continue to use their printed, indicative, and some symbolic signs until they become unusable or for a specified period.
For the law approved by the Senate to come into effect, it requires signing by the President and official publication in accordance with the established procedure.