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in the globalized world
208
CULTURAL REFLECTIONS: TYPOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF IDIOMS IN
UZBEK AND ENGLISH
Diyorbek Naimov Mashrabovich
student of UzsWLU
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Scientific advisor: Saidova M.S
Associate Professor (PhD)
Abstract
This article
delves into how idioms in Uzbek and English reflect their respective cultures.
Idioms, like
“
raining cats and dogs,
”
carry cultural meanings and values. This study compares
idiomatic expressions in both languages to uncover how they differ structurally and culturally. By
analyzing idioms, the article reveals the unique cultural insights embedded in both languages. It
explores why idioms vary between Uzbek and English and what these differences can tell about each
culture
’
s history and social norms. In analyzing linguistic and cultural theories, this paper connects
the language with culture, helping us to understand how words reflect cultural identities. Overall,
the article sheds light on the cultural richness of idiomatic language in Uzbek and English.
Key word:
Idiomatic expressions, Comparative typology, Linguistic diversity, Cross-
cultural analysis, Figurative language, Cultural nuances, Semantic variations, Typological contrasts
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, English language is known for its richness in
idiomatic set expressions and phrases. Obviously, every idiom has its own history of
being shaped and it can directly be related to culture and other factors. Similarly, Uzbek
language is can be a great case in point for rich-in-idioms languages. Furthermore,
studying the history and the culture of certain languages can help the scholars uncover
how particular idioms are born in languages. It is common knowledge that idioms are
known as such language units whose meanings cannot be translated by relying on
individual words within the set. Therefore, language teachers encourage their students
to study these units as a whole and rely on their meaning which can be found in
dictionaries (Crystal, David; 2010). However, the meaning of these phrases can be
explained and even, if not, in a more accurate manner, if we investigate their history in
that they carry cultural and historical values of particular nations. Moreover, the
following two languages share the same features at some point when it comes to
idiomatic expressions. Idiomatic expressions are particularly divided into the following
types in both English and Uzbek languages:
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in the globalized world
209
Types
English
Uzbek
Phrasal verbs
Give up
Taslim bo`lmoq
Proverbs
Where is a will, there is a way
Qayerda xohish bo`lsa,
yo`l albatta topiladi
Metaphorical
idioms
Let the cat out of the bag
Sirni oshkor qilmoq
Idiomatic noun
phrases
A piece of cake
Hamirdan
qil
sug`urgandek
Idiomatic
adjective phrases
Over the moon
Boshi osmonda
Phrases
Tell me about it
Shuni aytgin
This table demonstrates different types of idioms in Uzbek and English languages
alongside their meaning (Mithun, Marianne; 2011). Idioms in English can be translated
directly into Uzbek language sometimes when they have the same cultural features.
For instance, the type of metaphors in idiomatic language is so close to Uzbek language
since they can be translated with ease. For example, In Shakespeare
’
s
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo
says “Juliet is my sun” claiming that she is the most important force in his life,
bringing him warm and light and this, with no doubt, can easily be interpreted into
Uzbek “u mening quyoshim”, suggesting the same intention since the sun is the
indicator of warmth and light. Many idioms are based on metaphors in English.
Notwithstanding, idioms are expressions that are used so often and frequently and are
so fixed in the language that people do not recognize the metaphor behind them.
For instance, this idi
om “tying the knot” in English conveys to build the marriage with
someone and it has the same meaning in Uzbek “taqdirini bog‘lamoq” suggesting that
individual words in both languages can be translated in the name of logical correctness.
Another excellent instance can be “on the tip of my tongue”. This idiom is essentially
used to express that one can still remember it despite the fact that they do not happen
to say it and a small clue can be enough to come up with piece of information that they
Topical issues of language training
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210
want to remember. In Uzbek it conveys the same meaning and even can be translated
word by word “ tilimning uchida”
(Mukhamedova N
.
А
;
2023
) By and large,
metaphorical idioms can actually be translated in both Uzbek and English languages
with the same meaning as long as they reflect similar cultures.
Typological features of idioms in Uzbek and English can vary in several ways,
reflecting differences in linguistic structure, cultural context, and historical influences.
Here are some typological features to consider:
A)
Lexical composition
: Uzbek idioms may incorporate words and phrases that are
specific to Uzbek culture, while English idioms may draw from English-
language history, literature, or cultural references.
Uzbek:
“
Tarvuzi qo`lig`idan tushmoq
”
(to drop the watermelon from their
armpit)
–
To be left in shock or become very mad.
English:
“
Break the ice
”
- meaning to initiate social interaction in a friendly
manner.
B)
Word Order and Structure:
The word order and structure of idioms can vary
between Uzbek and English. For example, some idioms in Uzbek may follow a
different syntactic pattern than their English equivalents.
Uzbek:
“
Yuragim ch
o‘
kdi
”
(My heart is pounding) - where
“
ch
o‘
kadi
”
(pounding) comes at the end of the phrase.
English:
“
Head over heels
”
- where
“
over heels
”
follows
“
head,
”
contrary to the
usual word order(
Saidova M
.
S; 2023)
C)
Figurative Language and Imagery:
Both languages use figurative language and
imagery in idioms, but the specific metaphors and cultural references used may differ.
For example, idioms in Uzbek may draw on agricultural or nomadic imagery, while
English idioms may reference maritime or historical contexts.
Uzbek:
“
Qizil qor yoqqanda
”
(When it snows red) - meaning something is impossible
to the point that it never happens
English:
“
Cat
’
s out of the bag
”
- metaphorically revealing a secret.
Topical issues of language training
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211
D)
Semantic Transparency:
The degree of semantic transparency, or the extent to
which the meaning of an idiom can be deduced from its individual components, may
vary between Uzbek and English idioms. Some idioms may be more transparent in one
language than the other
Uzbek:
“
Q
o‘
limdan chiqmaydi
”
(It won
’
t come out of my hand) - meaning I
won
’
t let it go.
English:
“
Piece of cake
”
- meaning something very easy to do, which may not
be transparent if taken literally.
E)
Pragmatic Usage:
Idioms may be used differently in Uzbek and English discourse
due to cultural norms and pragmatic conventions. Understanding the appropriate
contexts for using idioms is essential for effective communication in both languages.
Uzbek:
“
Ko`zingni och
”
(Open your eyes)
–
it suggests that one needs to be wise
and alert
English:
“
By the way
”
- used to introduce a tangential topic in a conversation.
F)
Regional and Dialectal Variations:
Both Uzbek and English exhibit regional and
dialectal variations in idiomatic language. Idioms may vary in usage, meaning, or form
across different dialects and regions within each language.
Uzbek:
“
K
o‘
zi ko`r
”
(Closed-eye) - used in some dialects to describe someone
who is blind.
English:
“
Pop the question
”
- while widely used, may have regional variations
in terms of frequency and colloquial usage.
In summary, the study into the world of idiomatic expressions in Uzbek and
English has provided a profound glance into the intricate relationship between
language and culture. Through the examination of typological features, we have
uncovered the nuanced complexities that define these linguistic phenomena.
Essentially, idioms in both English and Uzbek have direct relationship to cultures and
they can reflect different linguistic features and also share the same cores at some point.
Besides, idioms are expressions that are fixed and frequently used in both languages.
Topical issues of language training
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212
References
1.
Crystal, David. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge University Press,
2010.
2.
Gibbs Jr, Raymond W.
“
Why idioms mean what they do.
”
Journal of Experimental
Psychology: General 113.3 (1984): 358.
3.
Haspelmath, Martin.
“
Comparative concepts and descriptive categories in crosslinguistic
studies.
”
Language 86.3 (2010): 663-687.
4.
Mithun, Marianne.
“
The significance of diversity in language documentation.
”
Language
Documentation & Conservation 5 (2011): 249-266.
5.
Mukhamedova Nigora Abdulkhayevna. “COMMUNICATIVE AND PRAGMATIC
ASPECTS OF VERBALIZATION”. (2023).
Western European Journal of Modern
Experiments and Scientific Methods
,
1
(3), 30-33.
6.
Saidova Mamura Suleymanovna.
“
The concept of function and context within the
framework of the communicative approach”. (2023).
Western European Journal of
Historical Events and Social Science
,
1
(3), 46-48.
7.
Sapir, Edward.
“
The psychological reality of phonemes.
”
The American Journal of
Psychology 30.2 (1919): 106-114.
8.
Sapir, Edward. Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech. Harcourt, Brace, and
Company, 1921.
9.
Wray, Alison. Formulaic Language and the Lexicon. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
СЛОЖНОСТИ
ПЕРЕВОДА РЕАЛИЙ
И СПОСОБЫ ИХ ПРЕОДОЛЕНИЯ
(НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ УЗБЕКСКОГО ЯЗЫКА)
Валиева Наргизахон Замир кизи
студент магистратуры
Узбекского государственного университета
мировых языков
Аннотация
Данное исследование выполнено в рамках нового антропоцентрического направления
лингвистики –
лингвокультурологии и направлено на анализ лингвокультурологических единиц
–
реалий. Автором статьи особое внимание уделяется понятию “лингвокультуремы”
,
представляющей собой целостность языковых и экстралингвистических значений.
Исследование фокусируется на анализе перевода слов
-
реалий, одного из видов
неэквивалентной лексики, с использованием различных способов перевода, таких как
транслитерация, калькирование и контекстуальный аналог. Результаты исследования могут
быть полезны для переводчиков, лингвистов и специалистов в области межкультурной
коммуникации.
Ключевые
слова:
антропоцентрическая
парадигма,
лингвокультурология,
лингвокультурема, реалия, перевод, транслитерация, калькирование, контекстуальный аналог.
В последнее время особенно актуальными становятся лингвистические
исследования в рамках современной антропоцентрической парадигмы, а именно
