INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 08,2025
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POLYSEMY IN TOURISM-RELATED TERMINOLOGY IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK
LANGUAGES
Abdullayeva Umida Nigmatullayevna
Uzbekistan state world languages university
Abstract:
This article explores the phenomenon of polysemy within tourism-related
terminology in both English and Uzbek languages. Polysemy, the coexistence of multiple
meanings within a single term, plays a significant role in the development and understanding of
specialized vocabulary in the field of tourism. Through a comparative linguistic analysis, the
study identifies common polysemous terms, examines their semantic variations, and highlights
the implications for translation and communication between English and Uzbek speakers. The
findings contribute to improving terminology management and enhancing cross-cultural
understanding in tourism discourse.
Keywords:
Polysemy, tourism terminology, English language, Uzbek language, semantic
analysis, translation studies, cross-cultural communication
INTRODUCTION
Tourism is a rapidly growing global industry that fosters cultural exchange, economic
development, and international cooperation. As the tourism sector expands, the language used
to describe its concepts, processes, and phenomena becomes increasingly important.
Specialized terminology in tourism not only facilitates effective communication among
professionals but also helps in shaping the understanding of tourism practices across different
cultures. One of the key linguistic phenomena observed in tourism terminology is polysemy —
the presence of multiple related meanings within a single word or term. Polysemy plays a
crucial role in the flexibility and richness of language but can also create challenges in
translation, interpretation, and communication, especially in a multilingual context. In the case
of English and Uzbek languages, which belong to different language families and cultural
backgrounds, the study of polysemous tourism terms is particularly significant. English, as a
global lingua franca, dominates international tourism discourse, while Uzbek serves as the
native language for millions of speakers in Central Asia. Understanding how polysemy
manifests in both languages can help improve bilingual dictionaries, translation accuracy, and
intercultural communication within the tourism industry. This article aims to analyze the
polysemy of tourism-related terms in English and Uzbek by identifying common examples,
exploring their semantic variations, and discussing the implications for translators and tourism
professionals. The research contributes to the broader field of terminology studies and offers
practical recommendations for managing polysemous terms in the context of tourism.
MAIN BODY
1. The concept of polysemy in linguistics
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 08,2025
Journal:
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223
Polysemy refers to the phenomenon where a single word or term has multiple related meanings.
Unlike homonymy, where words have entirely unrelated meanings, polysemous terms share a
semantic connection across their various interpretations. In specialized fields like tourism,
polysemy enriches the vocabulary but also poses challenges for clear communication and
precise translation.
2. Polysemy in tourism terminology
Tourism terminology often includes words that carry several related senses depending on the
context. For example, the English term "resort" can mean both a place people visit for leisure
and the act of resorting to something. Similarly, the Uzbek equivalent “курорт” (kurort)
primarily means a leisure destination but may acquire extended meanings in certain contexts.
3. Comparative analysis of polysemous terms in english and uzbek
This section analyzes several key tourism-related terms that exhibit polysemy in both languages.
For instance:
English: "Tour"
o
A journey or trip for leisure or exploration.
o
A guided visit or itinerary.
o
To travel around an area or country.
Uzbek: "Сайёҳат" (Sayyohat)
o
Travel or journey, usually for leisure or business.
o
The act of moving from one place to another.
Despite the semantic overlap, cultural nuances affect the use and meaning in each language.
4. Implications for translation and communication
Polysemy can cause misunderstandings in translation if the multiple meanings are not carefully
considered. Translators need to rely on context, cultural knowledge, and domain expertise to
choose the correct equivalent. For example, translating “tour” without recognizing whether it
refers to the act of traveling or a guided itinerary could lead to inaccuracies.
5. Strategies to manage polysemy in tourism terminology
Contextual analysis:
Careful examination of surrounding text to infer the correct meaning.
Terminology standardization:
Creating glossaries and standardized term lists to reduce
ambiguity.
Bilingual dictionaries:
Including detailed definitions with examples for each sense of
polysemous terms.
Translator training:
Equipping translators with cultural and domain-specific knowledge.
CONCLUSION
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 08,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
224
This study has examined the phenomenon of polysemy within tourism-related terminology in
both English and Uzbek languages. The analysis revealed that many terms in the tourism
domain carry multiple related meanings, which enrich the vocabulary but simultaneously
present challenges for translators, language learners, and professionals engaged in cross-cultural
communication. Understanding the polysemous nature of these terms is essential for accurate
translation and effective communication, as overlooking semantic nuances may lead to
misinterpretations or loss of meaning. The comparative analysis also highlighted how cultural
and linguistic differences influence the usage and interpretation of tourism terminology in
English and Uzbek. To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement strategies such as
contextual analysis, terminology standardization, and the development of comprehensive
bilingual resources. Furthermore, training translators and tourism professionals in both
linguistic and cultural aspects will enhance clarity and reduce misunderstandings. Overall, this
research contributes to the field of terminology studies and offers practical insights for
improving communication in the international tourism industry. Future studies could expand on
this work by exploring polysemy in other languages or examining its impact on digital tourism
platforms and marketing materials.
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