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AXIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF UZBEK VALUE LEXICON:
METHODS, CONCEPTS, AND CULTURAL OPPOSITIONS
Dadabayeva Shirinxon Shuxratovna
PhD in Philological Sciences, Associate Professor,
Fergana State University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15396355
Abstract:
Axiolinguistics explores how evaluative meanings are encoded in language,
focusing on how lexemes reflect a speaker's value system. In Uzbek, value-laden
vocabulary is often organized into bipolar oppositions (e.g., yaxshilik–yomonlik,
“goodness–evilness”) that mirror cultural contrasts. Researchers apply methods
such as semantic field analysis, conceptual study, and paremiological
investigation. Proverbs, rich in axiological content, serve as carriers of moral
norms. Comparative studies reveal both universal and culture-specific value
concepts. The theoretical framework integrates semantic, cognitive, and linguo-
cultural approaches, enabling systematic categorization of Uzbek axiological
lexicon and revealing how language encodes cultural evaluations.
Keywords:
axiolinguistics, value lexicon, Uzbek language, semantic field, cultural
concepts, proverbs, linguoculturology, axiological opposition
Axiolinguistics
is the subfield that examines how values and evaluations
are encoded in language units (). It operates within a paradigm linking human –
language – society – value – world, meaning that it considers how linguistic
expressions reflect human perceptions of what is good or bad, desirable or
undesirable (). A key notion in axiological semantics is the presence of an
evaluative component (positive or negative connotation) within word meaning.
For example, words like yaxshi (“good”) or yomon (“bad”) explicitly carry
evaluation, while terms like saxovat (“generosity”) inherently praise a trait and
xasislik (“stinginess”) inherently condemn it.
One common approach in analyzing axiological lexicon is to identify
semantic oppositions or dyads
– pairs of words representing a value and its
antithesis (also called value vs. anti-value) (). Studying such axiological pairs
helps reveal the underlying value system of a culture. In Uzbek and related
languages, scholars have noted that many fundamental values come in polar
pairs (for instance, yaxshilik–yomonlik “goodness vs. evilness”) and form
semantic fields containing numerous related words. [1] By examining a core
value concept, one can often uncover a network of synonyms, antonyms, and
derivations surrounding it. For example, the concept of “good” (yaxshi) extends
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to synonyms like ezgulик (goodness, beneficence) and antonyms like yomon,
each with further nuances.
Methodologically, researchers employ several strategies to study Uzbek
axiological lexicon.
Semantic field analysis
groups value-laden lexemes into
categories or fields (e.g., moral, spiritual, aesthetic values) and analyzes their
interrelations. [3]
Conceptual analysis
is used to explore key cultural concepts
(such as “beauty” or “honor”) by examining their lexical representations and
associated imagery in Uzbek. Comparative and cross-cultural methods are also
common – for instance, juxtaposing Uzbek value terms with those in other
languages to highlight unique vs. universal aspects. A recent study of Uzbek and
Russian proverbs classified values into domains like physiological, moral,
emotional, material, and intellectual levels[2]. Illustrating how value concepts
can be taxonomized. Additionally,
paremiological analysis
(study of proverbs)
is a powerful tool, since proverbs encapsulate folk wisdom and normative
judgments. Uzbek paremiology provides abundant data on values, as many
proverbs explicitly praise certain behaviors and chastise others. In fact,
axiological meaning is especially prevalent in Uzbek idioms and proverbs (),
which often serve as ready-made judgments or moral lessons (e.g., “Yaxshilik
qilsang, dengizga sol” – “Do good and cast it into the sea,” implying one should
do good without seeking reward).
In summary, the theoretical framework for studying axiological lexicon
combines semantic analysis of meaning components (identifying evaluation in
word meaning), cognitive-semantic approaches (treating value notions as
cultural concepts), and linguo-cultural analysis (linking language usage with
cultural norms). By using these methods, linguists can categorize the axiological
lexicon into meaningful types and trace how language encodes the value system
of Uzbek speakers.
Literature:
1.
Shaxnoza
Suvanovna
Xudayqulova.
(2021).
NATION-WIDE
CHARACTERISTICS OF AXIOLOGICAL LEXICON. European Scholar Journal, 2(6),
21-23. Retrieved from https://scholarzest.com/index.php/esj/article/view/899
2.
Turakhodjaeva (Akhmedova) N. AESTHETIC CLASSIFICATION OF VALUES
IN AXIOLOGICAL PROVERBAL DYADS//American Journals. Vol2, 2025. – 8p
3.
Yuldashev F and others. Specifications for identifying and distinguishing
units of the lexico-semantic category of “Ma'naviyat” in the diagnosis of an
individual's moral qualities// HS Web of Conferences 210, 04004 (2025) ICHSS
2025. – 8p.
