Uzbekistan has signed a law on a revised version of the Uzbek alphabet developed on the basis of the Latin script. The document will enter into force on April 22, 2027.

The updated alphabet will consist of 28 letters and an apostrophe. Under the new rules, certain sounds previously represented by combinations of two letters will be written using individual characters. Specifically, “Ş” will replace “Sh,” “Ç” will replace “Ch,” “Ö” will replace “Oʻ,” and “Ğ” will replace “Gʻ.” The combination “Ng” will no longer be considered a separate unit of the alphabet.

Within two months of the law coming into force, the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan must approve a programme for transitioning to the updated alphabet. The programme will establish deadlines for introducing the new spelling rules in different sectors in stages.

Once the new alphabet officially comes into force, mass media outlets and government institutions will be required to use the approved writing system. A transition to a unified alphabet for the preparation of official documents is also envisaged. School textbooks prepared in accordance with the new rules are expected to be published by 2031.

At the same time, documents prepared using the previous alphabet before April 22, 2027, as well as the national currency and securities, will retain their validity and remain in circulation.

Existing symbols of government institutions, images of the state emblem on buildings, inscriptions and road signs displaying geographical names may continue to be used until they physically wear out or until the deadlines specified in the government programme are reached.

The approval of the updated alphabet is part of Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to unify its writing system and gradually improve the use of the Latin script.