What Language Do They Speak in Uzbekistan?

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Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Known for its rich cultural history, Uzbekistan is home to several ancient cities that were key stops along the Silk Road, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. The country boasts a diverse landscape ranging from fertile valleys to expansive deserts and is recognized for its unique blend of Soviet architecture and traditional Islamic influences.

Languages Spoken

Uzbekistan is a linguistically diverse country where multiple languages are spoken, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and history. The most prevalent language is Uzbek, spoken by 74.3% of the population. Uzbek is a Turkic language and is recognized as the official language of the country. Russian, historically significant due to Soviet influence, is spoken by 14.2% of the people and remains an important language for interethnic communication and business. Tajik, a derivative of Persian, is spoken by approximately 4% of the population, predominantly among the Tajik ethnic minority. Other minority languages include Kazakh, Karakalpak, and Tatar, spoken by 2.5%, 2.3%, and 1.2% of the population respectively, each contributing to the diverse tapestry of Uzbekistan's linguistic landscape.

Different Languages Spoken in Uzbekistan

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Uzbekistan

LanguageUsage
Uzbek74.3%
Russian14.2%
Tajik4%
Kazakh2.5%
Karakalpak2.3%
Tatar1.2%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Uzbek Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Uzbekistan

Salom, qalaysiz?

Hello, how are you?

A common greeting and way to ask about someone's wellbeing.

Bu qancha turadi?

How much does this cost?

Useful when shopping to ask for prices.

Qaerda joylashgan...?

Where is...?

To ask for directions or locate something.

Tushunmadim

I don't understand

Used to indicate you didn't understand something, helpful in communication.

Iltimos va rahmat

Please and thank you

Basic polite expressions used in various situations to show courtesy.

Learn to speak Uzbek

Interested in speaking Uzbek in Uzbekistan? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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