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Study on the Historical Changes, Characteristics, and Implementation Challenges of Uzbekistan’s Language Policy



Author(s)

DING Xueling, HU Jianqiang

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DOI:10.17265/2328-2177/2025.05.002

Yili Normal University, Yining, China

Language policies are of great significance to a nation’s stability, unity, and development. Uzbekistan’s language policies have reflected the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of different periods throughout historical changes, influencing social structures and ethnic relations. This paper summarizes the characteristics of Uzbekistan’s language policies in different eras: During the Tsarist Russian period, the Russification of language policies hindered the development of local languages; in the Soviet era, policies adopted a dual approach, promoting both Russian and prioritizing ethnic languages; after independence, Uzbekistan established Uzbek as the state language and emphasized foreign language education. The current language policy in Uzbekistan presents a complex landscape: While emphasizing the dominant role of the national language helps preserve its heritage, it may easily spark ethnic and political tensions; promoting pluralism and inclusivity brings benefits but faces challenges in balancing language statuses, resource allocation, management, and communication; modernization efforts encounter difficulties in standardizing dialects and foreign loanwords; and in international exchanges, there is a need to balance relations with global lingua francas. In conclusion, Uzbekistan’s language policies have undergone unique transformations and face numerous challenges. In-depth research is crucial for improving the country’s policies and enhancing China-Uzbekistan cooperation. Proactive measures are needed to address these challenges, ensuring the sustainability of language policies and fostering greater national prosperity.

Uzbekistan, language policy, historical changes, implementation challenges, medical diplomacy