Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная
лингвистика
и
лингводидактика
–
Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The phraseological landscape of the Spanish language:
expressions of identity, emotion, and cultural wisdom
Dilovarkhon BAKHRAMOVA
1
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received April 2025
Received in revised form
10 April 2025
Accepted 2 May 2025
Available online
25 June 2025
This article examines the phraseological richness of the
Spanish language, emphasizing its role in conveying cultural
identity, emotional expression, and historical memory. Spanish
idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and collocations not only add
stylistic vibrancy to communication but also encode centuries of
cultural values and social behavior. The article analyzes the
structure, meaning, and cultural context of Spanish
phraseological units and explores their use in everyday
interaction, literature, and media. It also considers pedagogical
strategies for teaching Spanish phraseology to foreign learners
and discusses the complexities involved in translating idiomatic
language across cultures.
2181-3701
/©
2025 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol3-iss6
/S
-pp1
97-201
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
Spanish idioms,
phraseological units,
cultural identity,
proverbs,
idiomatic expressions,
Spanish language,
metaphor,
translation,
teaching Spanish,
linguistic culture.
Ispan tilining frazeologik qirralari: milliy o‘ziga xoslik,
tuyg‘ular va madaniy donishmandlik ifodalari
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
Ispan maqollari,
frazeologik birliklar,
madaniy o‘zlik,
hikmatli so‘zlar,
iboraviy ifodalar,
ispan tili,
majoziy ma’no,
tarjima,
ispan tilini o‘qitish,
til madaniyati.
This article examines the phraseological richness of the
Spanish language, emphasizing its role in conveying cultural
identity, emotional expression, and historical memory. Spanish
idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and collocations not only add
stylistic vibrancy to communication but also encode centuries of
cultural values and social behavior. The article analyzes the
structure, meaning, and cultural context of Spanish
phraseological units and explores their use in everyday
interaction, literature, and media. It also considers pedagogical
strategies for teaching Spanish phraseology to foreign learners
1
Teacher, Department of Spanish and Italian philology, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages.
E-mail: dilovar.baxramova@mail.ru
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
6 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
198
and discusses the complexities involved in translating idiomatic
language across cultures.
Фразеологический ландшафт испанского языка:
выражения идентичности, эмоций и культурной
мудрости
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
Испанские идиомы,
фразеологизмы,
культурная идентичность,
пословицы,
идиоматические
выражения,
испанский язык,
метафора,
перевод,
обучение испанскому
языку,
языковая культура
.
В статье исследуется фразеологическое богатство
испанского языка и подчёркивается его роль в передаче
культурной идентичности, эмоционального выражения и
исторической
памяти.
Испанские
идиоматические
выражения, пословицы и устойчивые сочетания не только
придают общению стилистическую яркость, но и кодируют
многовековые культурные ценности и модели социального
поведения. Анализируются структура, значение и
культурный контекст испанских фразеологических единиц,
а также особенности их употребления в повседневном
общении, литературе и средствах массовой информации.
Рассматриваются педагогические стратегии преподавания
испанской фразеологии иностранным учащимся и
обсуждаются
сложности
перевода
идиоматических
выражений между культурами.
Phraseological expressions in Spanish represent one of the most fascinating and
culturally loaded elements of the language. They reveal how speakers of Spanish
conceptualize the world, relate to each other, and transmit cultural knowledge. Unlike
individual words, phraseological units carry layers of meaning that go beyond the literal,
combining linguistic structure with emotional, historical, and symbolic resonance.
The Spanish language is abundant in fixed and semi-fixed expressions that span
from colloquial idioms to classical proverbs, from formal locutions to humorous sayings.
These expressions function not only as tools for communication but also as markers of
social belonging and linguistic creativity. Many of them are learned early in life and
become deeply ingrai
ned in the speaker’s communicative habits, often surfacing
unconsciously in everyday speech.
The phraseological inventory of Spanish includes idiomatic phrases that are
metaphorical and figurative, such as “estar frito” (literally, "to be fried," meaning "
to be in
trouble") or “meter la pata” (to put one's foot in it, i.e., to make a mistake). These
expressions cannot be understood by simply analyzing the literal meanings of the words
they contain. Instead, they require cultural and contextual awareness to be correctly
interpreted and used.
Some expressions have religious, historical, or literary origins. For example,
“lavarse las manos” (to wash one's hands of something) echoes the biblical story of
Pontius Pilate and signifies avoiding responsibility. Others are based on everyday
experiences or the natural world, like “llover a cántaros” (to rain cats and dogs), drawing
from the imagery of heavy rainfall.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
6 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
199
The metaphorical nature of many idioms reflects a cognitive dimension in
language use. According to conceptual metaphor theory, people understand abstract
concepts through more concrete or sensory experiences. This is evident in Spanish
idioms that use the div to express emotional or psychological states, such as “tener
mariposas en el estómago” (to have butterflies in one’s stomach) or “quedarse sin
palabras” (to be left speechless). These expressions reveal how human experiences are
structured and expressed through metaphor.
Colors also play a significant role in Spanish phraseology. Expressions like
“ponerse rojo como un tomate” (to turn red like a tomato) or “verlo todo negro” (to see
everything black, meaning pessimism) show how visual perception is linked to emotional
and psychological evaluation. Similarly, animal metaphors are common, often carrying
connotations of behavior, personality, or social roles. A person who is “un zorro” (a fox) is
considered cunning, while someone who is “una oveja negra” (a black sheep) is a social
outcast.
Phraseology is deeply connected to culture, and many idioms are specific to
particular regions of the Spanish-speaking world. An idiom popular in Argentina may not
be familiar in Spain, or it may have a different meaning altogether. For instance, the
phrase “estar en la luna” (to be on the moon) is commonly used across S
panish-speaking
regions to describe someone who is distracted, but variations in pronunciation,
emphasis, or accompanying gestures may change its nuance. These regional differences
contribute to the dynamic and diverse character of Spanish phraseology.
In addition to their metaphorical richness, phraseological expressions often serve
pragmatic functions in conversation. They can soften criticism, reinforce social norms, or
build solidarity among speakers. For example, instead of directly stating that someone is
wrong, a Spanish speaker might say “cada loco con su tema” (every madman has his
theme), a humorous and indirect way to express disagreement without confrontation.
Idioms can also provide closure to arguments or conversations, such as “a lo hecho,
pec
ho” (what’s done is done).
In literature, Spanish phraseology serves as a powerful stylistic device. Authors use
idioms and proverbs to develop character voices, express cultural settings, and evoke
emotional reactions. In Don Quijote de la Mancha, Miguel de Cervantes integrates
hundreds of idiomatic expressions that reflect the worldview and speech patterns of
early modern Spain. The use of phraseology allows writers to connect with readers on a
deeper level by invoking shared cultural knowledge and familiar linguistic patterns.
The media and popular culture continue to shape and renew Spanish phraseology.
New idioms emerge in response to technological changes, political events, or social
trends. Internet culture, particularly memes and social media language, has generated
expressions such as “me explotó la cabeza” (my head exploded), used to express surprise
or amazement. These neologisms enrich the phraseological reservoir of Spanish and
show the language’s adaptability.
Teaching Spanish phraseology to foreign learners presents unique challenges.
Because idioms are culture-bound and often resist literal translation, students may
struggle to grasp their meaning or use them appropriately. However, mastering
phraseology is essential for achieving fluency and cultural competence. Language
instruction should integrate idiomatic expressions into vocabulary lessons, dialogues,
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
6 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
200
and listening activities. Visual aids, role-
playing, and comparison with students’ native
languages can facilitate learning and make idioms more memorable.
It is also important to provide cultural context when teaching idioms. Explaining
the historical or metaphorical origins of an expression can help learners appreciate its
meaning and remember it more effectively. For example, teaching the i
diom “tirar la casa
por la ventana” (to spare no expense) becomes more engaging when students learn that
it originates from 18th-century Spain, when families literally threw furniture out the
windows during celebrations.
Another effective pedagogical approach is the use of corpora and authentic
materials, such as films, songs, or newspaper articles, which expose learners to
phraseology in natural contexts. Encouraging students to identify and use idiomatic
expressions in their speaking and writing helps them internalize the language and
develop communicative competence.
Phraseological translation is another complex area, requiring not only linguistic
skills but also cultural sensitivity. Literal translations often fail to convey the intended
meaning or emoti
onal impact of idioms. For example, translating “estar más perdido que
un pulpo en un garaje” (to be more lost than an octopus in a garage) requires finding an
equivalent idiom in the target language, such as “to be like a fish out of water.” When no
equivalent exists, the translator must decide whether to explain the meaning, adapt the
expression, or replace it with a culturally relevant alternative.
In the field of cross-cultural communication, awareness of phraseology can
prevent misunderstandings and foster deeper interpersonal connections. Idiomatic
expressions often carry connotations of humor, irony, or emotion that are lost in literal
interpretation. Being attuned to these nuances enhances both comprehension and
expression in intercultural settings.
In conclusion, Spanish phraseology is a vital component of the language, reflecting
the values, beliefs, and experiences of its speakers. It offers a unique lens through which
to explore Spanish-speaking cultures and understand the interplay between language,
thought, and society. Whether used in conversation, literature, or media, phraseological
expressions add richness, depth, and authenticity to communication. As both a linguistic
and cultural phenomenon, Spanish phraseology continues to evolve, adapt, and inspire
learners and speakers around the world.
REFERENCES:
1.
Corpas Pastor, G. (1996). Manual de fraseología española. Madrid: Gredos.
2.
Dobrovol’skij, D. & Piirainen, E. (2006). Idioms: Structure and Translation. Oxford:
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3.
Pamies Bertrán, A. (2004). “Fraseología y cultura: una relación simbiótica.” Paremia,
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Page, M. (2008). Fraseología y enseñanza del español como lengua extranjera.
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Moon, R. (1998). Fixed Expressions and Idioms in English: A Corpus-Based Approach.
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Ruiz Gurillo, L. (2001). La fraseología en la lengua española. Madrid: Arco Libros.
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Gläser, R. (1984). “The Stylistic Potential of Phraseological Units in the Light of Genre
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Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
6 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
201
8.
Alonso Ramos, M. (1993). El tratamiento de las locuciones en los diccionarios. Santiago
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Becerra, S. (2011). Didáctica de la fraseología española: Un enfoque comunicat
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