The Uzbek language has developed alongside centuries of history and a rich spiritual heritage. Scientific and literary works created by great ancestors have demonstrated its richness, expressiveness, and versatility over many centuries. Today’s generation has inherited the Uzbek language as an invaluable spiritual treasure, and preserving and enriching it places a special responsibility on us.

The granting of official state language status to Uzbek on October 21, 1989, opened a new chapter in its history. This date acquired particular political and spiritual significance in the process of our people becoming more aware of their national identity.

Today, the status of the Uzbek language is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Such status entails a high legal standing and a significant responsibility to ensure its full use. The state language serves as one of the main means of communication between the people and the state in administration, legislation, education, science, official documentation, mass media, and other areas of public life.

The prestige of a language is determined primarily by its actual place in everyday life, the standards of its use, and society’s attitude toward it.

In recent years, strengthening the position of the state language and further developing it have received particular attention at the level of state policy. On October 21, 2019, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed the decree “On Measures to Fundamentally Increase the Role and Prestige of the Uzbek Language as the State Language.” The document identified priority tasks, including compliance with language legislation, expanding the use of Uzbek, and strengthening its position as a language of science.

In turn, the Presidential Decree “On Measures for the Further Development of the Uzbek Language and Improvement of Language Policy in the Country,” dated October 20, 2020, established long-term priorities for this work. The approved Concept for the Development of the Uzbek Language and Improvement of Language Policy for 2020–2030 places particular emphasis on ensuring the full and correct use of Uzbek in all areas of public and political life, strengthening its role in science, preserving linguistic standards, enriching its vocabulary, and improving the population’s language and communication skills.

The future of the state language cannot be linked to just one field or the activities of a single organization. It lives and develops together with society. Its status is reflected in the accuracy of official documents, the quality of teaching, scientific research and media publications, signs on streets and in public places, and the standards of everyday communication.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed this responsibility clearly during a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of Uzbek receiving state language status. He emphasized:

“Our attitude toward the state language should be regarded as our attitude toward our independence, and our devotion and respect for it should be understood as devotion and respect for the Motherland. This must become a rule of our lives. Each of us should begin this noble work with ourselves, our families, and our communities.”

This statement reveals the true meaning of caring for our rich cultural heritage. Such care is not limited to complying with legal requirements. It expresses responsibility toward the Motherland, national values, historical memory, and future generations.

Enhancing the prestige of the state language requires consistent attention to the quality of its use in every sphere. Documents produced by government agencies and public organizations must be accurate, clear, and consistent with literary language standards. The language used in mass media and online publications directly influences society’s overall literacy. Increasing the number of scientific and popular science publications in Uzbek, as well as developing modern concepts and terminology in accordance with the language’s own principles, will help strengthen the position of the state language internationally.

Technological progress presents new challenges for the Uzbek language. Expanding its presence in the digital environment, artificial intelligence, information technology, and modern communication systems has become a necessity of our time. Creating comprehensive electronic dictionaries, national language corpora, digital databases, and high-quality online resources in Uzbek is essential for its continued development.

The language must participate fully in all these processes, acquire the means to express new concepts, and evolve alongside advances in science and technology. The education system, which develops the language skills of the next generation, has a particularly important role to play.

Preserving the state language does not mean keeping it unchanged. A living language constantly develops, adopts modern concepts, and adapts to the needs of its time. The main task is to support its natural development while protecting literary standards and national characteristics.

These principles largely determine the purity of speech. Unnecessary borrowings, signs containing spelling errors, and careless use of words weaken overall language culture. Such problems should primarily be addressed through improved literacy, quality education, and the creation of a proper linguistic environment rather than through prohibitions alone.

October 21, Uzbek Language Day, provides an opportunity to revisit these issues. The date allows us to reflect on the journey our native language has taken and assess our responsibility for its future. Respect for the language extends far beyond ceremonial events. Its true prestige is demonstrated in every sentence written, every word spoken, every document prepared, every book published, and every piece of knowledge acquired by the younger generation.

Responsibility for the future of the state language cannot be shifted onto someone else. This task requires the participation of government institutions, educators and scientists, creative professionals, the mass media, parents, and young people.

When respect for the native language becomes a daily habit, its social prestige gains a solid foundation.

The Uzbek language is an invaluable treasure that connects our people’s historical memory, spiritual heritage, and national identity with the future. Preserving its richness and passing it on to future generations in its entirety is a duty we all share toward our Motherland. Respect for the language is an expression of this responsibility.

Bahrom Abdullaev

Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee of the Oliy Majlis on Defense and Security.