THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH IN LEGAL STUDIES AND INTERNATIONAL LAW: THE CASE OF UZBEKISTAN

This study analyzes the increasing role of English in the context of legal education and practice in Uzbekistan, which is undergoing rapid legal transformation as well as greater integration into the world economy. The study employs a qualitative research design, conducting semi-structured interviews with legal practitioners and analyzing relevant literature and case study materials. It investigates the influence of English on legal education, international law, international arbitration, access to global legal materials, and employment opportunities, domestically and abroad, for an Uzbek lawyer. The results identify that English is playing a more prominent role because of globalization and Uzbekistan’s alignment with international legal systems. The research explores the integration of English into the law curriculum; however, further enhancement of legal education and command of the language remains imperative. Such synergistic processes will enable the formation of a competitive and internationally oriented legal profession in Uzbekistan.