ISLAMABAD, October 21. /Dunyo IA/.  An educational event dedicated to the Uzbek Language Day was held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event was attended by compatriots and their children, representatives of the Pakistani expert and analytical community, faculty members of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad and media professionals.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev, elaborated on the role of the state language in the life of society, the reforms aimed at its further development and the measures implemented to strengthen its international status. He emphasized that the Uzbek language is a vital asset reflecting the centuries-old history of the nation, its spiritual heritage, national mindset and cultural identity.

According to the diplomat, initiatives are being implemented in Uzbekistan to develop education in the Uzbek language, preserve linguistic heritage, and support creative figures. Abroad, including in Pakistan, textbooks and study guides are being developed, new dictionaries are being published and modern IT products for language learning are being created.

This year, Uzbek and Pakistani linguists and translators released the “Dictionary of Common Words of Uzbek and Urdu Languages”. Furthermore, renowned works of Uzbek literature have been translated into Urdu and published as separate editions.

National University of Modern Languages houses a dedicated Department of the Uzbek Language. Concurrently, efforts are underway to establish the Center of Uzbek Language and Literature at Bahria University.

Saniya Iskanova, Lecturer at the Department of the Uzbek Language of the National University of Modern Languages, noted the influence of the Uzbek language on the formation of regional culture and literature. She also emphasized the significance of the mother tongue in preserving national values and upbringing the younger generation.

Mahfuza Khasanova, a lecturer at the same university, drew attention to the importance of preserving the native language and national traditions among compatriots living abroad, as well as passing the language on to children. According to her, interest in the Uzbek language and culture is growing, including among young residents of Pakistan.

Event was aimed at popularizing the Uzbek language abroad, strengthening the national identity of compatriots, and promoting the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Uzbekistan at the international level.