INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 09,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 117
LEXICAL-SEMANTIC, STYLISTIC AND METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES OF
PROVERBS RELATED TO LANGUAGE AND SPEECH ACTIVITY
Tursunova Dilorom Xoshimjon kizi
Higher category teacher of the subject of Mother tongue and literature,
School №2, Namangan district, Namangan region
Abstract:
This article analyzes proverbs and sayings related to language and speech activity,
focusing on their lexical-semantic, stylistic, and methodological features. Based on the author’s
personal observations, reflections, and practical examples, the role of proverbs in today’s
linguistic process is highlighted. Furthermore, their significance in shaping speech culture and
their application in education are also discussed.
Keywords:
proverbs, sayings, language, speech activity, semantics, style, imagery,
methodology
Introduction
Among the spiritual wealth created by the Uzbek people over centuries, proverbs and sayings
occupy a special place. Every nation has sought to express its life experience, worldview, and
reflections in a concise and meaningful form. Therefore, proverbs are valued as the wisdom of
the people. Their importance lies in the fact that they not only reflect the traces of the past but
also emdiv lessons that are relevant today.
Even in today’s era of fast communication, people strive to express ideas briefly and
effectively. In this regard, proverbs remain an essential means of modern speech.
As noted in scholarly sources, the words used in proverbs belong to the most active layer of
the national language and often carry symbolic meanings [Jo‘rayev, 2015: 45].
For example:
“Til – elning ko‘zgusi.” (Literally: “Language is the mirror of the nation.” Here, language
symbolizes the cultural and intellectual state of a nation.)
“Yaxshilik qil, dengizga tashla, baliq bilmasa, xalq bilar.” (Literally: “Do good, throw it into
the sea, even if the fish doesn’t know, the people will.” Here, good deeds represent moral
values that society will eventually recognize.)
Thus, proverbs should be regarded not merely as word combinations, but as conceptual units
reflecting deep meaning.
Figurative devices in proverbs
1. Metaphor
“So‘z qalbning kalitidir.”
(Word is the key to the heart. — The proverb metaphorically describes the word as a key that
opens human emotions and inner feelings.)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 09,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 118
2. Simile (Comparison)
“Ilmsiz bosh – chiroqsiz uy.”
(A head without knowledge is like a house without light. — Just as a house without a lamp
remains in darkness, a person without knowledge lives in ignorance.)
3. Epithet
“Yomon do‘st – qorong‘u yo‘l.”
(A bad friend is a dark road. — The epithet illustrates how a bad friend misleads and
complicates life.)
4. Comparative imagery
“Yaxshi so‘z – jon ozig‘i.”
(A good word is nourishment for the soul. — Just as food strengthens the div, kind words
provide spiritual support.)
5. Antithesis (Contrast)
“Bilimli – nur, bilimsiz – g‘ur.”
(The knowledgeable are light, the ignorant are darkness. — The contrast emphasizes the sharp
difference between knowledge and ignorance.)
Stylistic features of proverbs
One of the most important aspects of proverbs is their stylistic versatility. Scholars note that
they are actively used in scientific, journalistic, literary, and colloquial styles [Rasulov, 2012:
102].
The stylistic power of proverbs lies in their ability to increase persuasiveness regardless of
context. For instance, in a scientific article, the proverb “Til – millat ko‘zgusi” strengthens the
author’s argument with folk wisdom. In journalism, it conveys social truths in a concise manner.
In literary works, proverbs enliven the speech of characters. Writers such as Abdulla Qodiriy,
Oybek, and O‘tkir Hoshimov effectively employed proverbs to reveal character traits. In
everyday life, they are widely used for educational purposes.
–The role of proverbs in speech activity
–The functions of proverbs in speech activity are diverse:
–conveying ideas concisely;
–persuading interlocutors;
–instilling moral norms;
adding imagery and aesthetic appeal to speech.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 09,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 119
Their most important function is to ensure intergenerational continuity. While modern youth
often communicate via short messages and internet slang, older generations still frequently use
proverbs. Thus, proverbs serve as a cultural bridge between generations.
Moreover, they function as ethical guidelines in communication. For example, the proverb
“Tilga e’tibor – elga e’tibor” (Respect for language means respect for the nation) emphasizes
both verbal etiquette and social unity.
Methodological significance
Today, shaping students’ speech culture is one of the key educational tasks. Using proverbs in
schools and preschools enriches vocabulary and instills proper speech habits. For instance, the
proverb “Gapni gapir joyi bilan, Nonni yegin moyi bilan” (Speak at the right time, eat bread
with its butter) teaches children the importance of using words appropriately.
To enhance their methodological value, proverbs should be integrated into lessons through
interactive exercises, role plays, and written tasks. This not only develops speech culture but
also strengthens students’ social communication skills.
Conclusion
Uzbek proverbs and sayings, as a treasury of folk wisdom, continue to play a significant role
in modern speech activity. Their lexical-semantic features emdiv deep meaning, their stylistic
versatility enhances expressiveness, and their methodological value contributes to shaping
young generations’ linguistic and cultural awareness.
Our observations suggest that studying proverbs in modern linguistics is not only of
theoretical importance but also of practical value. They remain effective tools for promoting
speech culture, preserving national values, and educating youth in proper communication.
References
1. Khojiev A. Explanatory dictionary of linguistic terms. – Tashkent: National Encyclopedia of
Uzbekistan, 2002.
2. Jo’rayev M. Uzbek proverbs and their semantic features. – Tashkent: Science, 2015. – 150 p.
3. Madayev O. Uzbek folk oral art. – Tashkent: Mumtoz so’z, 2010.
4. Rasulov A. Methodology of the Uzbek language. – Tashkent: University, 2012. – 180 p.
5. Ulukov N., Abdukhamidova L. Interpretations and analyses of speech culture. – Tashkent:
Navro’z, 2017.
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