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EXPLORING THE WISDOM OF PROVERBIAL
EXPRESSIONS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF UZBEK
AND ENGLISH SAYINGS
Tairova Mashhura Ravshan qizi 2 course
Samarkand State institute of Foreign languages
Faculty of English philology and translation studies
Abstract:
This article explores into the fascinating world of proverbs,
exploring the rich tapestry of wisdom embedded within these succinct and often
poetic expressions. We will embark on a comparative analysis of Uzbek and English
proverbs, uncovering striking similarities and unique differences that reveal
intriguing insights into the cultural values and perspectives of these two diverse
languages
.
Аннотация:
Эта статья исследует увлекательный мир пословиц, исследуя
богатую мудрость, заключенную в этих кратких и часто поэтических
выражениях. Мы приступим к сравнительному анализу узбекских и
английских пословиц, обнаруживая поразительные сходства и уникальные
различия, которые раскрывают интригующее понимание культурных
ценностей и перспектив этих двух разных языков.
Annotatsiya:
Ushbu maqola maqollarning maftunkor dunyosini ochib
berishga qaratilgan bo'lib, ushbu qisqa va she'riy iboralardagi boy hikmatlarni
o'rganadi. Biz o'zbek va ingliz maqollarini qiyosiy tahlil qilishga orqali bu ikki xil
tilning madaniy qadriyatlari va dunyoqarashi haqida qiziqarli tushunchalarni ochib
beradigan ajoyib o'xshashlik va o'ziga xos farqlarni ochib beramiz.
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Key words:
Uzbek and English proverbs, sayings, equivalent,
analysis, culture, differences, similarity.
Ключевые слова
: Узбекские и английские пословицы,
поговорки, эквиваленты, анализ, культура, различия, сходство.
Kalit so'zlar
: O'zbek va ingliz maqollari, maqollari, ekvivalenti, tahlili,
madaniyati, farqi, o'xshashligi.
Proverbs, those short, memorable sayings that encapsulate a truth or piece of
advice, have been a cornerstone of human communication for centuries. They serve
as vessels for wisdom, guiding individuals through life's challenges and imparting
valuable lessons learned through generations. Proverbs often reflect the cultural
values and beliefs of a society, offering glimpses into its historical experiences,
social norms, and philosophical outlook.
Despite the vast geographical and linguistic differences between Uzbekistan
and England, a surprising number of proverbs share common themes and meanings.
This shared wisdom speaks to the universality of human experience and the enduring
nature of certain fundamental truths. For instance, both cultures cherish the
importance of hard work, reflected in the Uzbek proverb "Mehnatdan kelsa boylik
turmush bo'lar chiroylik" ("if wealth comes from work, life will be beautiful") and
the English proverb "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy,
and wise."Similarly, the value of patience is emphasized in both languages. Uzbek
proverbs like "Sabrning tagi sariq oltin" ("Under the patience is gold") echo the
English proverb "Patience is a virtue." These parallels reveal the common ground on
which human cultures stand, united by shared values and experiences. Another
recurring theme is the value of wisdom and learning. The Uzbek proverb "Bilim–aql
o'chog'i" (''Knowledge is the heart of the mind'') equivalent of the English proverb
"Knowledge is power." This shared emphasis on acquiring knowledge highlights the
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role of education in personal and societal growth in both cultures.
There are numerous such sayings we can find in both languages
literature. However, every culture own its unique aspects. While
some proverbs resonate across cultures, others carry distinctly
cultural nuances that reveal deeper insights into a particular society.
Uzbek proverbs often reflect the importance of family, hospitality, and respect for
elders, values deeply ingrained in Uzbek culture. For example, "Mehmon – otangdek
ulug'" ("Guest is as great as your father") underscores the importance of hospitality
and welcoming visitors with open arms. Similarly, "Jannat onalar oyog'i ostida"
("Heaven is under the feet of mothers") emphasizes the paramount importance
offilial piety. These proverbs highlight the interconnectedness of individuals within
a community, a sense of responsibility towards one another, and the significance of
maintaining strong family ties.
English proverbs offer unique insights into English culture. They often reflect
the values of pragmatism, selfreliance, and a sense of humour. For instance, "A stitch
in time saves nine" emphasizes the importance of tackling problems promptly before
they escalate. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" encourages a cautious
approach and avoids overconfidence, while "Many hands make light work"
highlights the power of teamwork and collaboration. These proverbs reflect the
English penchant for practical solutions, a healthy dose of scepticism, and the
recognition that working together can accomplish more than individual efforts. In
addition we can find huge difference in stylistic. While Uzbek and English proverbs
share common themes, their stylistic differences reveal intriguing cultural nuances.
Uzbek proverbs often utilize vivid imagery and poetic language, drawing inspiration
from nature and everyday life. For example, the proverb "Qush uyasida ko'rganini
qiladi" (''A bird does what it sees in its nest'') uses a simple metaphor to convey the
importance of belonging and familiarity. English proverbs, on the other hand, tend
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towards more concise and straightforward language. The proverb "A
stitch in time saves nine" exemplifies this direct approach,
emphasizing practicality and efficiency. These stylistic variations
reflect the distinct cultural contexts in which these proverbs evolved.
Uzbek proverbs often reflect the rich literary traditions of the region,
while English proverbs emphasize practicality and brevity, reflecting the
pragmatism often associated with Western culture.
Proverbs often employ vivid imagery and storytelling techniques to convey
their message effectively. They often rely on metaphors, similes, and personification
to create memorable and impactful statements. For instance, the Uzbek proverb
"Yomon o't o'zi yonib, yaxshi o'tni ham yondiradi" ("A bad weed burns itself and
also burns the good weed") uses a simple yet powerful metaphor to convey the
damaging effects of negative influence. Similarly, the English proverb "A rolling
stone gathers no moss" utilizes a metaphor to illustrate the idea that individuals who
are constantly changing or moving lack stability and miss out on opportunities for
growth. These storytelling elements enhance the memorability and effectiveness of
proverbs, making them enduring tools for transmitting wisdom across generations.
Proverbs offer a unique window into the cultural fabric of a language. Studying
proverbs can help language learners not only understand the language's nuances and
idioms but also gain valuable insights into the cultural values and perspectives of its
speakers. Learning proverbs can also enhance communication skills, allowing
individuals to express themselves with greater eloquence and cultural sensitivity.
For example, an Uzbek learner studying the proverb "O'zini hurmat qilgan,
o'zgalarni ham hurmat qiladi" ("Whoever respects himself, respects others'') can gain
a deeper understanding of the Uzbek emphasis on self-awareness and introspection.
Similarly, an English learner studying the proverb "Look before you leap" can
appreciate the English value of careful planning and consideration.
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Conclusion
Through this comparative analysis of Uzbek and
English proverbs, we have explored the enduring power of these
succinct sayings. While some proverbs reflect universal truths,
others carry distinctly cultural nuances that reveal the values and
perspectives of specific societies. Proverbs serve not only as
repositories of wisdom but also as captivating storytelling devices that enhance
memorability and create impactful messages. Understanding the language and
cultural significance of proverbs is essential for language learners and anyone
seeking to navigate the complexities of human communication.
As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize the enduring relevance of
proverbs. These wise sayings continue to guide us through life's challenges,
enriching our communication and fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and
others.
REFERENCE:
1. Trench, C.R. On the Lessons in Proverbs. -New York: Redfield, 1853.
2. Oxford dictionary of proverbs. Oxford University press, 2003.
3. 2. J.Raymond. 1956. Tensions in Proverbs: More Light on International
Understanding. Western Folklore 15.3, p. 53-154
4. Taylor A. The Proverb. –Harvard University Press, 1985.
5. Norrick, N.R. How Proverbs Mean? Semantic Studies in English Proverbs. -
Amesterdom: Mouton, 1985.
6. Karamatova K.M., Karamatov H.S. Proverbs–Maqollar– Пословицы. – T.:
Mehnat, –2000.
7. Marvin, D.E. Antiquity of Proverbs. - New York and London: G.P Putnam Sons,
1922.
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