As defined by Dilbarhon Hasanova (2007), there exist three main uses of English in modern Uzbek society; innovative, instrumental, and interpersonal. These three categories provide insight into the ways in which English is employed in Uzbekistan unique to the uses of English in other Central Asian and former Soviet states.
The Innovative Function |
The Instrumental Function |
The innovative function of English in Uzbekistan is the means through which an Uzbek English is created. As English words enter Uzbek through the media and advertisements, new meanings and uses of these words are created. Ustinova (2005) identifies that many English words and phrases are borrowed in Uzbek culture to "serve as a landmark of Western type education and values" (p. 249).
Some examples of businesses in Bukhara city employing innovative English names include the services Consult Bukhara and Uzintour, while newspapers utilizing English include Yulduz Star and Info Vord or "Info Word" (note the shift of [w] to [v] in the word vord) (Hasanova, 2007). |
As English has become one of the most widely learned second languages in Uzbekistan, it serves an important role in education. Many preschools and secondary schools offer English education to students, as it has become "a favorite in foreign language re-orientation (Landau and Kellner-Heinkele, 2001, p. 177).
The more flexible methods of ESL teaching introduced after the fall of the Soviet Union have opened up students and teachers to learn English in a way that allows for more creativity and expression. English is also the most chosen major at colleges of foreign languages, largely due to the perceived opportunities of the west (Hasanova, 2007). Due to the popularity of English in schools and universities, as well as the new importance it holds in the Uzbek job market, English has come to hold a place of prestige in Uzbekistan. The Interpersonal FunctionThis function encompasses the personal reasons why Uzbek people might choose to use English in their daily lives outside the context of work or education (Hasanova, 2007).
Those interested in scientific and literary subjects that might not contain many resources in Uzbek may utilize knowledge of English to study and discuss them with other English speakers. This function is primarily seen on the internet, as speakers of Uzbek English may utilize certain websites and chat forums to engage with foreign English speakers. |
Speakers of English
Hasanova (2007) also identifies three general categories of members of Uzbek society who regularly use English. Although these categories might not encompass the entire body of English-Speaking Uzbeks, it provides a unique insight into what types of people utilize and contribute to the development of Uzbek English.
Business PeopleThis demographic is largely based around young urban professionals with a college education. Most of these speakers began learning English sometime during secondary school, and chose a major and career path at university that would require them to become proficient in the language.
As many international academic conferences and journals are conducted in English, it is necessary for this group to understand the language. In consulting texts and manuals regarding new technologies and innovations that have not yet been accounted for by the Uzbek lexicon, this group must also utilize English to properly understand and study these new concepts (Hasanova, 2007). Pop Culture ConsumersSince the final years of the Soviet Union, western pop culture has penetrated into Uzbekistan, introducing Uzbek youth to acts such as Michael Jackson and Madonna, whose English song lyrics have provoked an increased interest in the language (Hasanova, 2007).
Although the older generation of Uzbeks pays much less attention to the popular youth culture of the west, English songs and movies, as well as other facets of western pop culture such as dance and dress have a significant place in the nightlife and culture of the urban centers. |
Young StudentsYoung Uzbek students seeking to pursue a future at university tend to focus on learning and perfecting their English. Members of this group take time to read English books, watch English movies, and participate in the various foreign and domestic programs that promote the learning of English.
Generally, members of this group tend to have some degree of interest in Anglophone or western culture, and seek to connect with and understand foreign English speakers through the internet. Hasanova identifies (2007) that many young Uzbeks interested in English have some desire to leave Uzbekistan to study and gain professional experience in a western country. |