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458
SEMANTIC INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTRUCTIONS “
이다
/
아니다
” AND
TRANSLATION METHODS IN UZBEK
Eshpulatova Sabrina Farkhodovna
Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Faculty of Oriental Philology
Student of Philology and Language Teaching: Korean Language Major
882976555
Abstract:
This article examines the semantic interpretation of the Korean copula constructions "
이다
(ida)" (to be) and "
아니다
(anida)" (to not be), analyzing their diverse functions beyond
simple identification and predication. It explores how these constructions contribute to
expressing properties, categories, definitions, and equivalence relations. The study further
investigates the various translation methods used to convey the nuances of "
이다
/
아니다
" in
Uzbek, considering the challenges posed by the differing grammatical structures and semantic
ranges of the two languages. It examines the use of copular verbs, demonstrative pronouns,
adverbial phrases, and alternative syntactic structures in Uzbek to accurately capture the intended
meaning of the Korean source. Finally, the paper analyzes the pragmatic factors that influence
the choice of translation strategies, considering context, register, and speaker intention. This
comparative study offers valuable insights for translators and linguists seeking to effectively
bridge the semantic gap between Korean and Uzbek copular constructions.
Keywords:
Korean, Uzbek,
이다
(ida),
아니다
(anida), Semantic Interpretation, Translation
Methods, Equivalence, Predication, Properties, Categories, Demonstrative Pronouns, Adverbial
Phrases, Grammatical Analysis, Pragmatics
INTRODUCTION
The Korean copula constructions "
이다
(ida)" (to be) and "
아니다
(anida)" (to not be) serve as
fundamental building blocks for expressing identification, predication, and a variety of other
semantic relationships. While seemingly straightforward, their usage extends beyond simple "to
be" equivalencies and requires nuanced understanding. Accurately translating these constructions
into Uzbek, a language with a distinct grammatical structure, presents significant challenges.
This paper delves into the semantic interpretation of "
이다
/
아니다
" and investigates effective
translation methods used to convey their meanings in Uzbek.
1. Semantic Range of "
이다
(ida)":
The copula "
이다
" is a versatile element in Korean grammar with several key functions:
• Identification: Connecting a subject with a noun phrase that identifies it.
• Example:
저는 학생입니다
(jeo-neun haksaeng-imnida) – I am a student.
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• Predication: Assigning a property or characteristic to a subject. While adjectives can directly
modify nouns in Korean, "
이다
" can be used with nouns to predicate a state or condition.
• Example:
하늘은 파랗다
(haneureun parata) – The sky is blue (using adjective directly).
• Example:
그 책은 재미있다
(geu chaegeun jaemi-itta) --> That book is interesting (using an
adjective converted to a noun-like form +
있다
= to exist/be in that state). Using "
재미있는 것
이다
" may be more accurate translation.
• Categorization: Placing a subject within a broader category.
• Example:
고양이는 동물입니다
(goyangi-neun dongmul-imnida) – A cat is an animal.
• Definition: Providing a definition or explanation of a concept.
• Example:
사랑은 헌신입니다
(sarang-eun heonsin-imnida) – Love is devotion.
• Equivalence: Establishing an equivalence relationship between two entities.
• Example:
성공은 노력입니다
(seonggong-eun noryeok-imnida) – Success is effort. This
statement implies that success is equivalent to effort. It might not be a 100% exact definition, but
in that context, both are equivalent.
The meaning of "
이다
" is heavily influenced by the context and the semantic properties of the
nouns it connects. It's crucial to note that "
이다
" itself does not carry inherent tense marking.
Tense is indicated through sentence-final endings.
2. Semantic Range of "
아니다
(anida)":
The negative copula "
아니다
" expresses the negation of the relationships indicated by "
이다
".
• Non-Identification: Denying that the subject is the identified noun.
• Example:
저는 의사가 아닙니다
(jeo-neun uisa-ga animnida) – I am not a doctor.
• Non-Predication: Denying that the subject possesses the predicated property or is in the stated
condition.
• Example:
그 영 화 는 재 미 없 다
(geu yeonghwa-neun jaemi-eopda) – That movie is not
interesting. OR
재미있는 것이 아니다
- More literally that which is interesting, it is not
• Non-Categorization: Denying that the subject belongs to a specific category.
• Example:
박쥐는 새가 아닙니다
(bakjwi-neun sae-ga animnida) – A bat is not a bird.
• Non-Definition: Denying a particular definition or explanation.
• Example:
행복은 돈이 아닙니다
(haengbok-eun don-i animnida) – Happiness is not money.
• Non-Equivalence: Denying the equivalence relationship.
• Example:
성공은 운이 아닙니다
(seonggong-eun un-i animnida) – Success is not luck.
Like "
이 다
", the precise meaning of "
아 니 다
" depends on the context and the nouns being
connected. Also similar to ida, time or tense is marked at the end of the sentence, rather than
with the copula.
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3. Translation Challenges into Uzbek:
Translating "
이 다
/
아 니 다
" into Uzbek presents several challenges due to differences in
grammatical structure and semantic ranges.
• Lack of Direct Equivalent: Uzbek does not have a single verb that directly corresponds to the
multifunctionality of "
이 다
/
아 니 다
." Uzbek utilizes different strategies depending on the
intended meaning.
• Word Order Differences: Korean, with its SOV word order, often places "
이다
/
아니다
" at the
end of the sentence. Uzbek, with its more flexible word order (typically SOV or SVO), may
require restructuring the sentence to achieve a natural translation.
• Implicit Information: Korean sentences can often omit grammatical markers or subjects if they
are clear from the context. Uzbek typically requires more explicit marking, necessitating the
addition of pronouns or other grammatical elements in the translation.
• Level of Politeness: Using a specific register (or level of politeness) of Uzbek verb
conjugations will add layers of meaning. Selecting a direct translation may seem rude to some
audiences, but too indirect and some meaning can be lost.
4. Translation Methods in Uzbek:
To effectively translate "
이다
/
아니다
," Uzbek relies on several strategies:
• Using Copular Verbs: "bo'lmoq" (to be) and "emas" (is not):
• bo'lmoq (to be): Often used for identification, predication, and categorization.
* Example: Men talabaman (Men talaba+man) - I am a student (Literal: I student + am)
corresponding to "
저는 학생입니다
".
• emas (is not): This particle, rather than a verb, directly negates the predicate and is employed
for non-identification, non-predication, and non-categorization.
* Example: Men doktor emasman (Men doktor + emas + man) - I am not a doctor (Literal: I
doctor + am not + am), corresponding to "
저는 의사가 아닙니다
".
• Using Demonstrative Pronouns: Sometimes, the semantic force of ida or anida can be
understood and applied by emphasizing words with demonstrative pronouns, though this is a less
common (and less grammatically sound) practice.
* Example: Bu kitob yaxshi (Bu kitob yaxshi -This book is good); However "Bu yaxshi kitob"
would more likely be used (This is a good book)
• Using Auxiliary verbs and Particles: Similar to how Korean uses particles and inflections,
Uzbek can use auxiliary words to add layers of meaning to the phrase, though it will likely
require more words in the translation.
• Restructuring the sentence: As previously mentioned, to get a better understanding, the
sentence structure may have to be completely overhauled.
5. Pragmatic Considerations:
The choice of translation strategy is also influenced by pragmatic factors. The translator must
consider the context of the utterance, the speaker's intention, and the desired level of formality.
• Formality: As mentioned above, the most common forms of conjugating Uzbek verbs (the
suffixes that mark tense) might not be the most accurate if the register of Korean is high or low.
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• Clarity: In some cases, a more explicit translation may be necessary to avoid ambiguity, even
if it results in a slightly less natural-sounding sentence.
• Emphasis: The translator may choose to emphasize certain elements of the sentence to
highlight the speaker's intended meaning.
The Korean copula constructions "
이다
/
아니다
" present a multifaceted challenge for translators
seeking to convey their diverse meanings in Uzbek. While Uzbek lacks a single, direct
equivalent, various translation methods involving copular verbs, demonstrative pronouns,
adverbial phrases, and sentence restructuring can effectively capture the nuances of the Korean
source. A successful translation requires a deep understanding of both the semantic range of "
이
다
/
아니다
" and the grammatical resources available in Uzbek, as well as careful consideration
of the pragmatic factors that shape the speaker's intended meaning. Further research exploring
the frequency and distribution of these translation strategies in parallel corpora would contribute
to a more refined understanding of cross-linguistic equivalence in copular constructions.
Ultimately, accurate and nuanced translation relies on recognizing the subtle interplay between
grammar, semantics, and pragmatics in both Korean and Uzbek.
CONCLUSION
Translating Korean's “
이다
/
아니다
” into Uzbek demands a nuanced approach that transcends
simple word substitution. The absence of a direct, all-encompassing equivalent necessitates a
strategic deployment of Uzbek's grammatical resources, including copular verbs, demonstrative
pronouns, and sentence restructuring. Beyond semantic fidelity, pragmatic considerations of
formality, clarity, and emphasis guide the selection of the most appropriate translation. This
analysis highlights the complexities inherent in cross-linguistic equivalence, demonstrating how
careful attention to both linguistic structure and communicative context is essential for
accurately conveying the multifaceted meanings embedded within these fundamental Korean
constructions. Further corpus-based research could illuminate preferred translation patterns and
enhance our understanding of semantic alignment between Korean and Uzbek.
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New York Press. pp. 251-265.
4. Saeed, J. I. (2009). Semantics (3rd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. pp. 89-110.
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