President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, congratulating citizens with the Uzbek language day on 21 October, called the “national language an invaluable, immense wealth that reflects the history of the people, its identity, spiritual world, and culture”.
A lot remains to be done to more fully harness the potential of the Uzbek language, elevate its status and enhance its appeal on the global stage, he pointed out.
“The state language, as is the case in highly developed democratic countries, must primarily serve to unite society, bringing all citizens together as one people, regardless of their language or nationality,” the president stressed.
“We are all deeply aware that in such a delicate and sensitive issue as language it is essential to act prudently and with restraint, without succumbing to excessive emotions,” he stated.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of preserving the language, traditions and values of the more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups living in Uzbekistan. Today, educational process in the country’s schools is conducted in 7 languages, and there are about 160 national cultural centers, he pointed out.
The head of the state also highlighted the need to increase the number and airtime of programs teaching Uzbek language on television, radio and online, as well as publication of additional literature, dictionaries and learning materials for those studying the language independently.
