2025
FEBRUARY
NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
VOLUME 2
|
ISSUE 2
396
THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN UZBEK LANGUAGE
Zahro Mamadaliyeva
Teacher of Fergana State University.
Xojiyeva Nargiza
Student of Fergana State University.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14953030
Abstract.
This thesis explores how media in Uzbekistan influences the development and
preservation of the Uzbek language. It examines media’s role in standardization, education, and
cultural identity while addressing challenges such as globalization, foreign language influence,
and the transition to the Latin alphabet. The study highlights how media, particularly digital
platforms, have revitalized interest in Uzbek among younger generations. It also discusses the
necessity of government policies to balance linguistic heritage with modernization.
Media plays a crucial role in shaping and preserving the Uzbek language in a rapidly
globalizing world. This study investigates how various media formats including television, radio,
newspapers, and digital platforms contribute to language standardization, cultural promotion,
and education. While media fosters national identity and connects people to their linguistic roots,
it also faces challenges such as foreign language influence, limited quality content, and the
complexity of script reform. This research provides an analytical framework to understand the
impact of media on language policies, the transition from Cyrillic to the Latin alphabet, and digital
media’s role in language revival. Findings suggest that media, supported by government policies,
can ensure the Uzbek language remains relevant in the modern era while preserving its historical
and cultural significance.
Keywords:
Uzbek language, media, language preservation, globalization, digital media,
language policy, Latin alphabet.
Introduction
Uzbekistan’s linguistic landscape has evolved under various historical influences, from
Arabic and Persian influences to Russian dominance during the Soviet era. Today, media serves
as a bridge between tradition and modernization, playing an essential role in language
standardization, education, and cultural preservation. With the rise of digital platforms, media has
gained even more influence over language usage, particularly among younger generations.
However, media also faces challenges, including globalization, the influence of foreign
languages, and the transition to the Latin script.
2025
FEBRUARY
NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
VOLUME 2
|
ISSUE 2
397
This thesis examines how media in Uzbekistan contributes to the preservation and
modernization of the Uzbek language and explores the challenges that come with this
responsibility.
Literature Review
Several scholars have explored the role of media in language preservation. Azizova (2022)
emphasizes that media is a key instrument in maintaining linguistic heritage, particularly in Central
Asia, where cultural identity is closely linked to language. Karimov (2021) discusses Uzbekistan’s
shift from Cyrillic to the Latin alphabet and the media’s role in facilitating this transition.
Rahmon (2023) highlights digital media’s impact on language revival, showing how
platforms like YouTube and TikTok encourage young people to engage with Uzbek in new ways.
These studies indicate that while media strengthens national identity, it must also navigate
challenges posed by globalization and foreign language influence.
Methodology
This study employs a qualitative research approach, analyzing academic sources,
government reports, and media content. Primary data includes an examination of Uzbek television
programs, online media platforms, and language policies. Secondary data consists of academic
publications on language preservation and media studies.
The study also includes interviews with media professionals and linguists to gain insights
into the practical challenges faced in language promotion through media. A comparative analysis
of pre- and post-Latin script media content provides further understanding of the transition’s
impact on language standardization.
Results
The findings suggest that Uzbek media plays a significant role in language preservation
and modernization:
•Language Standardization: News programs and educational content reinforce
grammatical norms and vocabulary, providing a standardized version of Uzbek.
•Cultural Preservation: Television and radio programs promote Uzbek literature, music,
and folklore, strengthening national identity.
•Digital Media’s Influence: Social media platforms have increased young people’s
engagement with Uzbek, making the language more dynamic and adaptable to modern contexts.
•Challenges in Script Reform: The transition from Cyrillic to Latin remains a challenge,
particularly for older generations who struggle with the new alphabet.
2025
FEBRUARY
NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
VOLUME 2
|
ISSUE 2
398
•Foreign Language Influence: The dominance of Russian and English in certain sectors
creates a risk of diluting Uzbek vocabulary, although media efforts are being made to balance
global influences with linguistic purity.
Discussion
The results highlight both opportunities and challenges in using media as a tool for
language preservation. Media serves as a powerful agent of cultural continuity, reinforcing
national identity while keeping the language accessible to younger audiences.
However, globalization introduces new linguistic challenges, requiring media to carefully
balance modernization with cultural heritage. The rise of digital media has had a significant impact
on the revitalization of the Uzbek language, offering new platforms for engagement.
Yet, concerns remain over the quality and regulation of digital content, as slang and
informal language could impact the standardization of Uzbek over time. The script transition to
the Latin alphabet is another crucial aspect where media plays a leading role. By educating the
public and familiarizing them with the new script, media can ensure a smoother transition. H
owever, accessibility remains a challenge, particularly for rural and older populations. The
government must support media efforts with policies that provide educational resources and
incentives for content creators to produce quality Uzbek-language material.
Conclusion
Media is a vital force in preserving and promoting the Uzbek language. It plays a central
role in language standardization, cultural preservation, and script reform while adapting to
globalization and digitalization. While media strengthens national identity, it must also address
challenges such as foreign language influence, limited quality content, and generational
differences in script adaptation.
By implementing policies that support Uzbek-language media and encouraging digital
engagement, Uzbekistan can ensure that its linguistic heritage remains strong while embracing
modernization.
A collaborative approach involving media professionals, policymakers, and the public is
essential to sustaining the vibrancy of the Uzbek language in an increasingly globalized world.
REFERENCES
1.
Azizova, M. (2022). The Role of Media in Language Preservation in Central Asia. Central
Asian Journal of Communication Studies.
2025
FEBRUARY
NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
VOLUME 2
|
ISSUE 2
399
2.
Karimov, S. (2021). Uzbekistan’s Language Policy and the Shift to Latin Script. Journal of
Central Asian Linguistics.
3.
Rahmon, O. (2023). Digital Media and Language Revival in Uzbekistan. Uzbek Media
Review.
4.
Tashkent Times. (2022). “Uzbek Media and Cultural Development.” Retrieved from.
