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Uzbek language Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Uzbek Language: Linguistics, History, and Usage

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The Uzbek Language: Linguistics, History, and Usage Study Guide

Linguistic Classification and Origins

Uzbek is classified as a member of the Karluk subgroup within the larger Turkic language family.

Answer: True

Explanation: Linguistic classification places Uzbek within the Karluk branch of the Turkic language family, with Uyghur being its closest relative in this subgroup.

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The Uzbek language has experienced significant linguistic influences primarily from Germanic and Slavic languages.

Answer: False

Explanation: Uzbek's primary external linguistic influences stem from Arabic, Persian, and Russian, not Germanic or Slavic languages.

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Persian has had a significant impact on Uzbek vocabulary and pronunciation, including vowel rounding.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Persian language has exerted considerable influence on Uzbek, affecting its vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and phonetic features such as vowel rounding.

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The Karluk branch of Turkic languages, to which Uzbek belongs, is characterized by significant loanwords from Persian and Arabic.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Karluk languages, including Uzbek, are distinguished by their substantial incorporation of loanwords from Persian and Arabic, reflecting historical cultural interactions.

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The term 'Sart' historically referred to nomadic Turkic groups whose language was distinct from early Uzbek.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, 'Sart' referred to settled Turkic-speaking populations closely related to Chagatai and early Uzbek, not nomadic groups with a distinct language.

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The term 'Turki' was an exonym used by outsiders to refer to the early Karluk language ancestor of Uzbek.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Turki' was an endonym, used by speakers themselves, to refer to the early Karluk language that is the ancestor of modern Uzbek.

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The Uzbek language has been influenced by Arabic, Persian, and Russian.

Answer: True

Explanation: Uzbek vocabulary and structure show significant influences from Arabic, Persian, and Russian due to historical and cultural interactions.

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The term 'o'zbek tili' is the native name for the Uzbek language.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'O'zbek tili' and 'o'zbekcha' are the native terms used by speakers to refer to the Uzbek language.

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To which primary language family and subgroup does the Uzbek language belong?

Answer: Turkic, Karluk branch

Explanation: Uzbek is classified as belonging to the Karluk branch, which is part of the larger Turkic language family.

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Which of the following languages has NOT been identified as a major external influence on Uzbek?

Answer: Mongolian

Explanation: While Uzbek has been influenced by Persian, Russian, and Arabic, Mongolian is not typically cited as a major external linguistic influence.

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What historical term referred to settled Turkic-speaking populations closely related to Chagatai, with its definition shifting over time?

Answer: Sart

Explanation: The term 'Sart' historically denoted settled Turkic populations related to Chagatai, with its meaning evolving over time.

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What does the native Uzbek term 'o'zbekcha' refer to?

Answer: The Uzbek language

Explanation: The native Uzbek term 'o'zbekcha' refers to the Uzbek language itself.

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What historical term was used endonymically for the early Karluk language that is the ancestor of modern Uzbek?

Answer: Turki

Explanation: The early Karluk language, ancestral to modern Uzbek, was endonymically referred to as 'Turki' by its speakers.

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Historical Development and Script Evolution

Chagatai was formally succeeded by Uzbek as the literary language of Uzbekistan in the early 20th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the early 20th century, specifically during the 1920s, Uzbek formally replaced Chagatai as the primary literary language within the region that would become Uzbekistan.

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Chagatai was a language primarily used for administrative purposes in the Mongol Empire and had little literary significance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chagatai was not only used for administration but also held significant literary importance, serving as the primary language for literature and scholarship in Central Asia for centuries before modern Uzbek emerged.

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During the establishment of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, Chagatai was officially referred to as 'Modern Uzbek'.

Answer: False

Explanation: When the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was established, Chagatai was officially designated as 'Old Uzbek', a classification that has been noted for its historical inaccuracies.

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Uzbekistan has fully transitioned to a Latin-based alphabet, and Cyrillic is no longer in use.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Uzbekistan officially transitioned to a Latin-based alphabet, the Cyrillic script remains in widespread use alongside the Latin script in various contexts.

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Historically, Uzbek has only been written using the Cyrillic script.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, Uzbek has been written using Arabic, Latin-based (Yañalif), and Cyrillic scripts. The current move is back towards the Latin script.

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The Uzbek government's plan was to fully transition to a Latin-based alphabet by January 1, 2023.

Answer: True

Explanation: The government of Uzbekistan had set January 1, 2023, as the target date for the complete transition to a Latin-based alphabet.

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The term 'Yaña imlâ alphabet' refers to a Latin-based script used for Uzbek in the early 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Yaña imlâ alphabet' was a modified Arabic script utilized for Uzbek between the 1920s and 1928, not a Latin-based script.

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Uzbek is considered a direct descendant of the Chagatai language.

Answer: True

Explanation: Modern Uzbek is recognized as a direct descendant of the Chagatai language, inheriting much of its linguistic structure and literary tradition.

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What language did Uzbek formally replace as the literary language of Uzbekistan in the 1920s?

Answer: Chagatai

Explanation: In the 1920s, Uzbek formally succeeded Chagatai, a historically significant Karluk language, as the literary standard in Uzbekistan.

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What was the Soviet Union's official designation for Chagatai when establishing the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic?

Answer: Old Uzbek

Explanation: Upon the formation of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, Chagatai was officially renamed 'Old Uzbek' by Soviet authorities.

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Which script is Uzbekistan officially transitioning towards, although Cyrillic remains in widespread use?

Answer: Latin script

Explanation: Uzbekistan is officially transitioning to a Latin-based alphabet, although the Cyrillic script continues to be widely employed.

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The Uzbek government's plan for alphabet transition aimed for completion by which year?

Answer: 2023

Explanation: The Uzbek government had set a target year of 2023 for the full implementation of its transition to a Latin-based alphabet.

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What was the purpose of the 'Yaña imlâ alphabet' used between the 1920s and 1928?

Answer: To adapt the Arabic script for Uzbek

Explanation: The 'Yaña imlâ alphabet' was developed to adapt the Arabic script for writing Uzbek during the 1920s.

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Dialectal Variation

Northern Uzbek is primarily spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while Southern Uzbek is spoken in Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The geographical distribution is reversed: Northern Uzbek is spoken mainly in Uzbekistan and neighboring Central Asian countries, while Southern Uzbek is primarily found in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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The Kipchak dialect group of Uzbek is characterized by the mutation of initial 'k' to 'g'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mutation of initial 'k' to 'g' is a characteristic feature of the Oghuz dialect group of Uzbek, not the Kipchak group.

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The Kipchak dialect of Uzbek is distinguished by the mutation of 'j' to 'ğ' (IPA: /ʁ/), a feature also found in Kazakh and Kyrgyz.

Answer: True

Explanation: A key characteristic of Kipchak dialects of Uzbek is the mutation of the initial sound 'j' to 'ğ' (IPA: /ʁ/), a phonological trait shared with languages like Kazakh and Kyrgyz.

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The Oghuz dialect group of Uzbek is noted for the mutation of 'j' to 'ğ'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mutation of 'j' to 'ğ' is a characteristic feature of the Kipchak dialect group of Uzbek, not the Oghuz group.

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Which region is primarily associated with the Southern Uzbek variant?

Answer: Afghanistan and Pakistan

Explanation: The Southern Uzbek dialect is primarily spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Which dialect group of Uzbek forms the basis of the standard language and shows Persian influence?

Answer: Karluk

Explanation: The Karluk dialect group serves as the foundation for standard Uzbek and exhibits significant Persian linguistic influences.

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What is the distinguishing feature of the Kipchak dialect of Uzbek compared to standard Uzbek?

Answer: Mutation of 'j' to 'ğ'

Explanation: A key characteristic of the Kipchak dialect of Uzbek is the mutation of the initial sound 'j' to 'ğ' (IPA: /ʁ/).

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Which of the following is a characteristic of the Kipchak dialect of Uzbek compared to standard Uzbek?

Answer: Mutation of 'j' to 'ğ'

Explanation: A defining characteristic of the Kipchak dialect of Uzbek is the mutation of the initial sound 'j' to 'ğ' (IPA: /ʁ/).

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Phonology and Phonetics

Standard Uzbek retains the vowel harmony feature that is common in many other Turkic languages.

Answer: False

Explanation: Standard Uzbek has largely lost the feature of vowel harmony, which is a characteristic present in many other Turkic languages. However, some dialects may retain it.

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A notable phonetic change in Uzbek, influenced by Persian, is the rounding of the vowel /a/ to /ɒ/.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rounding of the vowel /a/ to /ɒ/ is a distinctive phonetic feature in Uzbek, attributed to the significant influence of the Persian language.

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Standard Uzbek has six primary vowel phonemes, including /i/, /u/, /e/, /o/, /æ/, and /ɔ/.

Answer: True

Explanation: The standard phonemic inventory of Uzbek includes six primary vowels: /i/, /u/, /e/, /o/, /æ/, and /ɔ/.

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Uzbek words typically have stress placed on the first syllable.

Answer: False

Explanation: The typical stress pattern in Uzbek words is on the final syllable (oxytones), not the first.

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The IPA phonetic symbol /q/ in Uzbek represents a voiced velar stop.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA phonetic symbol /q/ in Uzbek represents a voiceless uvular stop, distinct from a voiced velar stop.

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How does standard Uzbek phonology differ from many other Turkic languages?

Answer: It has largely lost vowel harmony.

Explanation: A key difference is that standard Uzbek has largely abandoned vowel harmony, a feature commonly found in many other Turkic languages.

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The phonetic change of rounding the vowel /a/ to /ɒ/ in Uzbek is attributed to the influence of which language?

Answer: Persian

Explanation: The rounding of the vowel /a/ to /ɒ/ in Uzbek is a phonetic feature significantly influenced by the Persian language.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the six primary vowel phonemes in Standard Uzbek?

Answer: /ə/

Explanation: The six primary vowel phonemes in Standard Uzbek are /i/, /u/, /e/, /o/, /æ/, and /ɔ/. The symbol /ə/ (schwa) is not among them.

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What is the typical stress pattern for words in the Uzbek language?

Answer: Last syllable (oxytones)

Explanation: Uzbek words typically follow an oxytonic stress pattern, meaning the stress falls on the final syllable.

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What does the IPA phonetic symbol /q/ represent in Uzbek phonology?

Answer: A voiceless uvular stop

Explanation: In Uzbek phonology, the IPA symbol /q/ represents a voiceless uvular stop.

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What is the meaning of 'oxytones' in the context of Uzbek word stress?

Answer: Stress on the final syllable

Explanation: 'Oxytones' refers to words where the stress falls on the final syllable, which is the typical pattern in Uzbek.

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Grammatical Structure

Uzbek typically follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order, common in Turkic languages.

Answer: True

Explanation: Consistent with many Turkic languages, Uzbek grammar predominantly employs a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order.

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The plural form of Uzbek nouns is generally created by adding the suffix '-lar'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The standard method for forming plurals of nouns in Uzbek involves appending the suffix '-lar' to the noun stem.

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In Uzbek, the suffix '-ni' is used to mark a noun as an indefinite direct object.

Answer: False

Explanation: The suffix '-ni' in Uzbek specifically marks a noun as a definite direct object, not an indefinite one.

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Uzbek is an agglutinative language and does not possess grammatical gender for nouns.

Answer: True

Explanation: As an agglutinative language, Uzbek utilizes suffixes to convey grammatical information and notably lacks grammatical gender distinctions for nouns.

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Negation in Uzbek verbs is typically formed using the prefix 'yo'q'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Verb negation in Uzbek is commonly achieved through the suffix '-ma' or the auxiliary verb 'emas', rather than a prefix like 'yo'q'.

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The Uzbek verb 'bo'lmoq' functions as the primary copula verb, similar to 'to be'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary copula verb in Uzbek, equivalent to 'to be', is 'ermoq', not 'bo'lmoq'.

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The suffix '-gan' in Uzbek is used to form the future tense of verbs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The suffix '-gan' in Uzbek is used to form the present perfect tense, indicating completed actions with present relevance, not the future tense.

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The suffix '-moq' in Uzbek is used to form the infinitive of verbs.

Answer: True

Explanation: The suffix '-moq' serves to form the infinitive mood of verbs in Uzbek, indicating the base form of an action.

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Uzbek uses definite articles like 'the' and indefinite articles like 'a'/'an' extensively.

Answer: False

Explanation: Uzbek does not utilize definite or indefinite articles in the manner of English; definiteness and indefiniteness are conveyed through word order, context, or specific words like 'bir' and 'bitta'.

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The suffix '-yotir' in Uzbek verbs forms the past perfect tense.

Answer: False

Explanation: The suffix '-yotir' in Uzbek verbs is used to form the momentary present tense, indicating an action currently in progress.

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Uzbek nouns are categorized into masculine, feminine, and neuter classes, similar to some Indo-European languages.

Answer: False

Explanation: Uzbek, characteristic of Turkic languages, does not feature grammatical gender or noun classes such as masculine, feminine, or neuter.

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The suffix '-dan' in Uzbek grammar is used to mark the dative case, indicating possession.

Answer: False

Explanation: The suffix '-dan' in Uzbek grammar marks the ablative case, signifying separation or origin, rather than the dative case or possession.

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The Uzbek words 'bir' and 'bitta' are used to function as indefinite articles.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Uzbek, the words 'bir' and 'bitta', meaning 'one', serve the function of indefinite articles, similar to 'a' or 'an' in English.

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The suffix '-ni' in Uzbek marks a noun as a definite direct object.

Answer: True

Explanation: The suffix '-ni' is employed in Uzbek grammar to specifically mark a noun functioning as a definite direct object within a sentence.

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The verb 'to be' in Uzbek, 'ermoq', is used in all tenses, including the future.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Uzbek copula verb 'ermoq' (to be) is absent in the future tense, where its function is typically omitted or implied.

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What is the typical word order observed in the Uzbek language?

Answer: Subject-Object-Verb (SOV)

Explanation: The predominant word order in Uzbek is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV).

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How are plural nouns typically formed in Uzbek?

Answer: By adding the suffix '-lar'

Explanation: Plural nouns in Uzbek are generally formed by appending the suffix '-lar' to the noun.

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What suffix marks a noun as a definite direct object in Uzbek?

Answer: -ni

Explanation: The suffix '-ni' is used in Uzbek to mark a noun as a definite direct object.

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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Uzbek grammar mentioned in the source?

Answer: Presence of grammatical gender

Explanation: Uzbek grammar is characterized by its agglutinative structure, null-subject properties, and extensive use of suffixes, but it notably lacks grammatical gender.

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How is verb negation commonly expressed in Uzbek?

Answer: Adding the suffix '-ma' or using 'emas'

Explanation: Verb negation in Uzbek is typically achieved by adding the suffix '-ma' to the verb stem or by employing the auxiliary verb 'emas'.

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Which verb functions as a copula ('to be') in Uzbek, though it is absent in the future tense?

Answer: ermoq

Explanation: The verb 'ermoq' serves as the primary copula ('to be') in Uzbek, though it is omitted in the future tense.

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What suffix is used in Uzbek to form the present perfect tense?

Answer: -gan

Explanation: The suffix '-gan' is used in Uzbek to form the present perfect tense.

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What is the function of the Uzbek suffix '-moq'?

Answer: Forms the infinitive

Explanation: The suffix '-moq' is used in Uzbek to form the infinitive of verbs.

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How does Uzbek indicate definiteness for nouns when they are not direct objects?

Answer: Through word order and context

Explanation: Definiteness in Uzbek nouns, when not functioning as direct objects, is typically conveyed through sentence structure and contextual understanding, rather than specific articles.

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What tense does the Uzbek suffix '-yotir' typically indicate?

Answer: Momentary present (present continuous)

Explanation: The suffix '-yotir' in Uzbek verbs denotes the momentary present tense, equivalent to the present continuous tense in English.

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Which suffix marks the ablative case in Uzbek, similar to 'from' in English?

Answer: -dan

Explanation: The suffix '-dan' in Uzbek grammar marks the ablative case, indicating separation or origin, analogous to the English preposition 'from'.

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Sociolinguistics and Global Presence

Uzbek is the official language only in Uzbekistan and is not recognized in any neighboring countries.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan, it is also recognized as a minority language in several neighboring countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

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Estimates for the number of native Uzbek speakers worldwide range from approximately 30 million to over 40 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: Estimates for native Uzbek speakers vary, with figures commonly cited between 30 million and over 40 million, reflecting its significant presence across Central Asia and beyond.

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The number of ethnic Uzbeks is higher than the total number of Uzbek speakers because many non-Uzbeks do not speak Uzbek as a second language.

Answer: False

Explanation: The number of Uzbek speakers often exceeds the ethnic Uzbek population because Uzbek is widely adopted as a second language by various ethnic groups residing in Uzbekistan, due to its status as the national language.

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The Uzbek language has faced government-led 'Turkmenization' policies in Turkmenistan, leading to a reduction in Uzbek schools.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Turkmenistan, government-led 'Turkmenization' policies have resulted in a decrease in Uzbek language education and publications, impacting the language's public presence.

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Uzbek is recognized as a minority language in Russia, with its presence visible in signage for businesses serving the Uzbek community.

Answer: True

Explanation: Uzbek is recognized as a minority language in Russia, and its presence is evident through signage for businesses catering to the Uzbek diaspora and in small community publications.

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Approximately 5 million ethnic Uzbeks were working in Russia according to 2021 statistics.

Answer: True

Explanation: 2021 statistics indicated that approximately 5 million individuals identified as ethnic Uzbeks were working in Russia, alongside significant numbers from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

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Besides Uzbekistan, which of the following countries officially recognizes Uzbek as a minority language?

Answer: Mongolia

Explanation: Uzbek is officially recognized as a minority language in several countries, including Mongolia, in addition to its status in neighboring Central Asian nations and Afghanistan.

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What is the estimated range for the number of native Uzbek speakers worldwide?

Answer: 30 million to 40 million

Explanation: Global estimates for native Uzbek speakers typically fall within the range of 30 to 40 million individuals.

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Why does the total number of Uzbek speakers exceed the number of ethnic Uzbeks?

Answer: Uzbek is widely spoken as a second language by other ethnic groups in Uzbekistan.

Explanation: The number of Uzbek speakers surpasses the ethnic Uzbek population because the language is frequently learned and used as a second language by other ethnic groups residing within Uzbekistan.

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What is the primary reason cited for the reduction of Uzbek schools and publications in Turkmenistan?

Answer: A government-led 'Turkmenization' policy

Explanation: The reduction in Uzbek schools and publications in Turkmenistan is primarily attributed to a government-led 'Turkmenization' policy.

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In Russia, how is the presence of the Uzbek language manifested according to the source?

Answer: Via signage for businesses and small newspapers

Explanation: In Russia, the presence of the Uzbek language is primarily observed through signage for businesses catering to the Uzbek community and in small-scale newspapers.

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According to 2021 statistics, approximately how many workers from Tajikistan were estimated to be in Russia?

Answer: 2.4 million

Explanation: In 2021, Russian statistics estimated approximately 2.4 million workers from Tajikistan were present in Russia.

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