The State of Multilingual Education in Uzbekistan

Abstract

This article analyzes the significance of bilingual and multilingual education, focusing on the experiences of children who grow up in diverse linguistic environments. It examines the various types of bilingual and multilingual acquisition, distinguishing between simultaneous and sequential language learning, as well as the dynamics of minority and majority languages. The discussion then shifts to the role of school-based bilingual education in promoting language development and biliteracy. It also addresses the difference between 'strong' and 'weak' bilingual education, highlights examples from different educational models globally, and assesses their implications for children’s cognitive, social, and academic growth. The case of Uzbekistan serves as a practical example, illustrating the country’s opportunities and challenges in establishing a robust multilingual education system.