Work

Linguistic ecocide and environmental collapse in the suppression of Uzbek language

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines how Soviet-era linguistic suppression in Uzbekistan contributed to environmental degradation across Central Asia, as exemplified by the Aral Sea disaster. It argues that this suppression constituted epistemic displacement, dismantling traditional systems of ecological knowledge and replacing adaptive, local management with extractive, centralised models. More than three decades after independence, Uzbekistan’s environmental governance remains tied to a colonial linguistic framework that restricts community participation and undermines ecological resilience. Through historical discourse analysis, comparative case studies, and critical ecolinguistic theory, the study demonstrates that reintegrating Uzbek ecological vocabulary into law, education, and policy is essential for sustainable reform. It concludes that linguistic justice is a fundamental condition for fair and effective environmental restoration.

Source: Cogent Social Sciences

DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2025.2592975

Authors: Makhbubakhon Shokirova, Zebokhon Kobilova, Lola Juraeva, Odinakhon Uzakova

Institutions: Central Asian Medical University, Kokand University, Andijon davlat chet tillari instituti

Language: English

Topic: Linguistic and Sociocultural Studies

Subfield: Linguistics and Language

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,165