A comparative analysis of english and uzbek proverbs and sayings

Abstract

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of English and Uzbek proverbs from semantic, cultural, and translational perspectives. Proverbs, as rich elements of oral folklore, reflect a nation's historical memory, ethical values, and life experiences. The study explores the similarities and distinctive features of proverbs in both languages, as well as the challenges of translating idiomatic and culturally bound expressions. It highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context to accurately convey intended meanings. The classification of proverbs, theoretical foundations of translation, and the role of language in reflecting societal values are discussed. The findings underscore the deep interconnection between language and culture and emphasize the translator’s role as a cultural mediator.

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Ahatova, D., & Temirova, M. (2025). A comparative analysis of english and uzbek proverbs and sayings. Bringing Together Students: International Research and Collaboration across Disciplines, 1(1), 23–25. Retrieved from https://www.inlibrary.uz/index.php/btsircad/article/view/97954
Dilshoda Ahatova, Denau Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy
Student
Muattar Temirova, Denau Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy
Assistant Teacher
Crossref
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Scopus
Scopus

Abstract

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of English and Uzbek proverbs from semantic, cultural, and translational perspectives. Proverbs, as rich elements of oral folklore, reflect a nation's historical memory, ethical values, and life experiences. The study explores the similarities and distinctive features of proverbs in both languages, as well as the challenges of translating idiomatic and culturally bound expressions. It highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context to accurately convey intended meanings. The classification of proverbs, theoretical foundations of translation, and the role of language in reflecting societal values are discussed. The findings underscore the deep interconnection between language and culture and emphasize the translator’s role as a cultural mediator.


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STUDENTLERDI BIRLESTIRIW: XALÍQARALÍQ IZERTLEWLER HÁM PÁNLER BOYINSHA BIRGE

ISLESIW 1-XALÍQARALÍQ STUDENTLER KONFERENCIYASÍ. NÓKIS, 2025-JÍL 20-21-MAY

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Xotirani qayta tiklashga yordam beruvchi samarali usullar.
Inson xotirasidagi barcha narsalarni tiklash qobilyatiga ega .Buning uchun undan diqqatini bir

joyga toʻplash va biroz vaqt talab etiladi . Psixologik metodlar ham unga yordam bera oladi.

Metodlar orqali xotirani avval sodir boʻlgan voqealarni eslashga undash mumkin .Masalan inson

bir hafta ilgari nima qilganligini ham bilsa boʻladi .

Tasdiqlash va mustahkamlash : maʼlumotlarni doimiy qayta koʻrish va oʻrganish.
Izlanish va oʻrganush yangi bilimlarni oʻzlashtirish orqali xotirani kuchaytirish .
Ijtimoiy muhit.Ijtimoiy muhit ijtimoiy aloqalar va guruhlar faoliyati orqali xotirani tiklash

mumkin.(6). Miya egiluvchanligi va tinch holatning pasayishi natijasida xotira samarasining
susayishiga baʼzi paytda odamni toliqishi sabab boʻladi Masalan keksa kishilar gaplaridan adashib
ketadilar yoki ilgari aytgan gaplari esdan chiqib ,yana oʻsha gaplarini gapiradi .Xotirani doimiy
ravishda mashq qildirib,chiniqtirib turish, keksalikda xotira qolishining oldini olishga yordam beradi
.Xotirani yaxshilash uchun neyrobika ham yaxshi samara beradi .Bu oddiy harakatlarni chap qoʻlda
agar chapaqay boʻlsa, oʻng qoʻlda bajarish usulidir .

Foydalanilgan adabiyotlar :

1. Gʻoziyev .E.G."Umumiy Psixologiya"1-kitobi Toshkent 2024.
2. P.I.Ivanov. M.E.Zufarova "Umumiy Psixologiya "
3. Tanlangan pedagogik asarlar oʻquv nashr Toshkent 1959
4. "Make It Stick " The science of successful learning (Peter.C.Brown Henry L.Roldigar ///Mark
.A McDaniel )
5. M.E.Zufarova Umumiy Psixologiya
6. Gʻoziyev E.G."Ontogenez"

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK PROVERBS AND

SAYINGS

Ahatova Dilshoda Bahodir Qizi

Student, Denau Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy

Temirova Muattar A.

Assistant Teacher, Denau Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy, Uzbekistan

Annotation:

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of English and Uzbek proverbs from

semantic, cultural, and translational perspectives. Proverbs, as rich elements of oral folklore, reflect a
nation's historical memory, ethical values, and life experiences. The study explores the similarities
and distinctive features of proverbs in both languages, as well as the challenges of translating
idiomatic and culturally bound expressions. It highlights the importance of understanding the cultural
context to accurately convey intended meanings. The classification of proverbs, theoretical
foundations of translation, and the role of language in reflecting societal values are discussed. The
findings underscore the deep interconnection between language and culture and emphasize the
translator’s role as a cultural mediator.

Keywords:

proverb, saying, English, Uzbek, comparative analysis, translation theory,

linguoculturology, folklore, cultural worldview, semantics.

Introduction.

Proverbs are among the most ancient and meaningful forms of folklore. They

emdiv the lifestyle, historical experiences, cultural values, and worldview of a nation. Through
proverbs, generations pass down life lessons, advice, moral teachings, and wisdom. Therefore, they
are regarded as linguistic treasures and reflections of collective wisdom.


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STUDENTLERDI BIRLESTIRIW: XALÍQARALÍQ IZERTLEWLER HÁM PÁNLER BOYINSHA BIRGE

ISLESIW 1-XALÍQARALÍQ STUDENTLER KONFERENCIYASÍ. NÓKIS, 2025-JÍL 20-21-MAY

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This paper provides a comparative analysis of English and Uzbek proverbs from semantic,

cultural, and translational perspectives, highlighting both similarities and distinctive features.

The Role of Proverbs in Society. Proverbs are widely used in everyday conversations, literature,

education, and even political speeches. Despite their brevity, they convey deep meaning. They reflect
people's attitudes toward one another, ethical principles, views of work, knowledge, and life itself.
Proverbs also reveal traditions, religious beliefs, and historical backgrounds.

Although the English and Uzbek nations have developed in different historical and cultural

contexts, their proverbs often express similar core ideas. Values such as honesty, diligence, patience,
and wisdom are appreciated in both cultures. A comparison of proverbs demonstrates how language
serves as a mirror of a society’s soul.

Comparative Examples of English and Uzbek Proverbs

English Proverb

Uzbek Equivalent

Meaning

A bird in the hand is

worth two in the bush.

Bor narsangni qadrlagin, yo‘q

narsaning orqasidan quvma.

Value what you have rather than

chasing uncertain possibilities.

Actions speak louder

than words.

Ish — so‘zdan baland.

Actions are more important than

promises.

Don’t

count

your

chickens before they hatch.

Tuxumdan jo‘ja chiqmasdan

sanama.

Avoid premature optimism.

When in Rome, do as the

Romans do.

Xalq

orasiga

tushganingda,

xalqchilik qil.

Adapt to local customs.

The grass is always

greener on the other side.

Boshqaning

navi

ko‘zga

chiroyli.

People often think others have it

better.

Too many cooks spoil

the broth.

Ko‘pchilik

oshpaz

bo‘lsa,

sho‘rva buzuq chiqadi.

Too many people working on one

thing can cause failure.


Challenges in Translating Proverbs. One of the main challenges in translating proverbs is their

idiomatic and metaphorical nature. Literal translation often distorts the original meaning or causes
confusion.
For example, the English phrase

"Break the ice"

would make little sense if translated literally into

Uzbek. Instead of referring to breaking frozen water, it must be understood as “initiating conversation”
or “overcoming awkwardness.”

Additionally, some proverbs have no direct equivalents. For instance,

"When pigs fly"

(implying

something impossible) can be humorously rendered in Uzbek as:

"Quyon go‘shti arzonlashganda bo‘ladi."

"Tog‘dagilarning hammasi shahrikand bo‘lsa."

Thus, translating proverbs requires cultural sensitivity and creativity. The translator must be both

linguistically and culturally competent to convey not only the words but also the emotional and
cultural background.

Theoretical Frameworks. From a linguistic and cultural point of view, proverbs are studied within

various theoretical frameworks:

Phraseological Theory: Views proverbs as fixed expressions with figurative meanings.

Linguocultural Theory: Emphasizes the connection between language and culture.

Translation Studies (Theory of Equivalence): Analyzes how meaning can be preserved or lost

during cross-cultural translation.


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Scholars like Wolfgang Mieder argue that understanding proverbs demands not just linguistic

skills but also cultural competence, as proverbs are deeply embedded in societal values and traditions.

Classification of Proverbs. Proverbs can be classified thematically:

Theme

English Proverb

Uzbek Proverb

Wisdom and Knowledge

Knowledge is power.

Bilim — boylik, aql — kuch.

Hard Work and Patience

No pain, no gain.

Mehnat qilgan to‘yadi.

Honesty and Morality

Honesty is the best policy.

Halollik — eng katta boylik.

Fate and Time

Time heals all wounds.

Vaqt — eng yaxshi tabib.

Friendship and Human

Relations

A friend in need is a friend

indeed.

Do‘st boshiga kun tushganda

bilinadi.


Thematic classification helps scholars understand societal priorities and the preservation of

values through oral tradition.

Conclusion. English and Uzbek proverbs reflect each nation's mindset, values, and life

philosophies. While differing in form, metaphor, and imagery, they often convey universal human
truths.
Effective translation of proverbs is possible only when the translator is aware of the historical, cultural,
and social nuances embedded in the original expression.

This comparative study emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural understanding and highlights

the role of proverbs in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps.

References:

1.

Mieder, W. (2004).

Proverbs: A Handbook

. Greenwood Press.

2.

Norrick, N. R. (1985).

How Proverbs Mean: Semantic Studies in English Proverbs

. Mouton

Publishers.

3.

Savory, T. (1968).

The Art of Translation

. Jonathan Cape.

4.

Koonin, A. V. (1956).

Phraseology of the English Language

. Moscow: Higher School

Publishing House.

5.

Permyakov, G. L. (1979).

Proverbs and Sayings: A Comparative Analysis

. Moscow: Nauka.

6.

Sayfiyev, H. (2005).

O‘zbek xalq maqollari va matallari

. Toshkent: Akademnashr.

7.

Newmark, P. (1988).

A Textbook of Translation

. Prentice Hall.

8.

Kramsch, C. (1998).

Language and Culture

. Oxford University Press.

9.

Sharipov, A. (2011).

O‘zbek tilida maqollar va ularning tarjima masalalari

. Toshkent: Fan va

texnologiya nashriyoti.

10.

Maksetova N., Uteshova Z. LINGUISTIC PROBLEMS OF ENGLISH LEXICOGRAPHY
//Journal of Universal Science Research. – 2023. – Т. 1. – №. 5. – С. 1099-1108.








References

Mieder, W. (2004). Proverbs: A Handbook. Greenwood Press.

Norrick, N. R. (1985). How Proverbs Mean: Semantic Studies in English Proverbs. Mouton Publishers.

Savory, T. (1968). The Art of Translation. Jonathan Cape.

Koonin, A. V. (1956). Phraseology of the English Language. Moscow: Higher School Publishing House.

Permyakov, G. L. (1979). Proverbs and Sayings: A Comparative Analysis. Moscow: Nauka.

Sayfiyev, H. (2005). 0‘zbekxalq maqollari va matallari. Toshkent: Akademnashr.

Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice Hall.

Kramsch, C. (1998). Language and Culture. Oxford University Press.

Sharipov, A. (2011). О 'zbek tilida maqollar va ularning tarjima masalalari. Toshkent: Fan va texnologiya nashriyoti.

Maksetova N„ Uteshova Z. LINGUISTIC PROBLEMS OF ENGLISH LEXICOGRAPHY //Journal of Universal Science Research. - 2023. - T. 1. -№. 5. - C. 1099-1108.