28
History of writing systems
Textbook: pp. 54–55
GoalLearn the writing systems used in the history of the Uzbek people and their order.
New words
writing system, script · yozuvAramaic · oromiymanuscript · qo‘lyozmaalphabet · alifbo
Explanation
Writing is a way of recording thought with signs; thanks to it knowledge and experience pass from generation to generation. In the most ancient times our ancestors wrote in the Aramaic, Kushan, Sogdian and Orkhon-Yenisei scripts. From about the 8th century until 1929 our people used the old Uzbek script based on Arabic; the works of Navoi and Babur were also created in it. In 1930–1940 a script based on Latin letters was introduced, and then Cyrillic was adopted. In 1993 the present Uzbek alphabet based on the Latin script was adopted.
Worked examples
The manuscript works of our forefathers were written mainly in the Arabic script.
Today school textbooks are printed in the alphabet based on the Latin script.
Class activity
Draw a chain of scripts: write the names and dates in order, then shuffle the cards and let a classmate put them back in order.
Practice
1
Which alphabet was adopted in 1993?
The Uzbek alphabet based on the Latin script.
2
When was the old Uzbek script based on Arabic used?
From the 8th century to 1929.
3
Why is it useful to know the history of writing? Write your opinion.
To be able to read and understand our ancestors’ heritage.
4
Order the scripts from oldest to latest: Latin (1993), Arabic, Cyrillic.
Arabic, Cyrillic, Latin (1993).