Soviet Russification and its impact on Language and Culture in Uzbekistan

Author : Sauda Shafiq

Abstract : This paper explores how Soviet-imposed Russification policies affected Uzbekistan's linguistic and cultural landscape. Historically rich in its linguistic and cultural legacy, Uzbekistan experienced significant transformations during the oppressive Soviet era. Language changed drastically, and atheism was aimed at suppressing Muslim society. Soviet-style education was introduced to further Russify the population. Overall, the goal was to weaken a strong sense of linguistic and cultural identity among Uzbekistan's people. The paper further emphasises that despite the profound impact of Soviet policies on language and culture, Uzbeks managed to preserve their linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, which eventually experienced a revival during and after the Uzbek independence.

Keywords : Uzbekistan, language, culture, religion, Russification, Uzbek identity, revivalism.

Conference Name : International Conference on Comparative Poetry and Cultural Studies (ICCPCS - 26)

Conference Place : Ahmedabad, India

Conference Date : 11th Jul 2026