The Upper Chamber of the Parliament of Uzbekistan (the Senate) has adopted a new draft law changing the structure of the Latin-based Uzbek alphabet.

Operativ Media reports that the amendments voted on in the Senate mark the beginning of a new stage of language reform in the country.

The law makes corresponding amendments to the Law "On the Introduction of the Uzbek Alphabet Based on the Latin Script." Under the new standard, the Uzbek alphabet will consist of 28 letters and one apostrophe, instead of 26 letters and three letter combinations.

The document also outlines the terms of the transition period. Official documents, banknotes, securities, state symbols, and existing signs prepared in the old script will remain in circulation until they are replaced with new ones or physically wear out.

According to Senate representatives, this decision will significantly facilitate the application of the Uzbek language in digital environments and information technologies. The law will soon be presented to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for signature.