BERLIN, October 28. /Dunyo IA/.  In connection with the 37^th anniversary of granting the Uzbek language the status of the state language, a cultural and educational event titled “Mother Tongue – Pride of the Nation” was held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event was attended by compatriots working, studying and permanently residing in Germany, as well as Khafiza Kuchkarova, Associate Professor at the Alisher Navoi Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature and translator.

Ambassador Dilshod Akhatov congratulated the compatriots on the holiday and noted that the mother tongue is an invaluable asset that preserves the spiritual identity, historical memory, and national character. He spoke about the reforms aimed at elevating the status of the state language, strengthening its role in society, and promoting it internationally. The diplomat emphasized that in the era of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, opening Uzbek language and culture centers, integrating the language into modern information technologies and its widespread use in the digital space remain highly relevant. He urged compatriots to contribute actively to this process.

During “roundtable”, significance of the mother tongue in preserving national identity, transmitting cultural heritage to future generations, and strengthening the spiritual unity of compatriots abroad was discussed. One of the main topics was teaching the Uzbek language to children and youth growing up in Germany. The participants noted that with the expansion of labor migration, educational and professional ties between Uzbekistan and Germany, establishing conditions for language learning abroad is acquiring increasing importance.

“It is highly important for children of Uzbek families in Germany to be proficient in their mother tongue and remain connected to their culture and roots. Therefore, it is advisable to develop and publish specialized textbooks, fiction and educational materials tailored to the linguistic environment and educational needs of children abroad”, Alisher Kodirov, a primary school German language teacher, stated.

Compatriots put forward practical proposals to expand opportunities for learning and teaching the Uzbek language in Germany and to bring youth closer to national literature and culture. The implementation of the Embassy's project on organizing Uzbek language courses for the children of compatriots was also discussed.

Hafiza Kuchkarova noted: “No matter how far the homeland is, it is always in our hearts. Love for Uzbekistan and respect for the mother tongue bind us to the Motherland, wherever we live. Preserving the mother tongue and passing it on to future generations is the duty of each of us”.

Shakhriddin Korakhonov, an engineer working in Berlin, congratulated all compatriots in Uzbekistan, Europe, and around the world on the holiday. According to him, the attention paid to the mother tongue in the country, along with the efforts to elevate its prestige and promote it globally, brings joy to everyone. He emphasized that the mother tongue is an integral part of the national identity, history, and spirituality of the people. Concluding his speech, Shakhriddin Korakhonov recited poetic lines about Uzbek pride and belonging to the native nation.