GENDER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MODESTY MAXIM IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES AND THEIR SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

МЕДИЦИНА, ПЕДАГОГИКА И ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ:

ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА

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GENDER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MODESTY MAXIM IN ENGLISH

AND UZBEK LANGUAGES AND THEIR SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

Shodieva Maftunabonu Adizovna

Asia International University, English chair

Email:

shodiyevamaftunabonuadizovna@oxu.uz

Abstract

Using a sociolinguistic approach, this paper investigates the gender-specific
application of the modesty maxim in English and Uzbek languages. Geoffrey Leech's
modesty maxim—a tenet of politeness theory—emphasizes reducing compliments
aimed at oneself and increasing compliments aimed at others. Linguistic traditions,
cultural standards, and social expectations all affect gender variations in using this
maxim. This comparative research shows how male and female English and Uzbek
speakers use modesty in conversation, therefore stressing the effect of sociocultural
elements on language behavior. The results show notable differences in the use of
modesty techniques, which reflect more general cultural ideas on gender roles in both
language groups.

Keywords:

gender traits, modesty maxim, English language, Uzbek language,

sociolinguistic analysis, politeness theory, cultural standards, linguistic behavior.

Introduction

Although it is a universal phenomena, politeness in language usage differs greatly
depending on gender and culture. According Leech's Politeness Principle, the humility
maxim is speakers downplaying own successes while uplifting others. With an eye on
sociolinguistic elements influencing these variations, this study investigates how
gender shapes the usage of the modesty maxim in English and Uzbek.
According to Geoffrey Leech's (1983) politeness theory, keeping social peace
depends on the humility maxim being followed. The maxim says people should avoid
praising themselves and instead focus on the achievements of others. Gender is very
important in how this concept is expressed as society expectations usually determine
different

standards

of

modesty

for

men

and

women.

In English-speaking societies, humility is the usual synonym for modesty.
Reflecting gender standards of politeness and humility, women often use modesty

МЕДИЦИНА, ПЕДАГОГИКА И ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ:

ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА

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techniques more often than males. Women are more prone, for instance, to minimize
comments ("Oh, this dress? While males may take praises straight forwardly, there was
nothing unique." Studies on workplace communication also reveal women avoiding
seeming boastfulness by employing hedging and mitigating language. Deeply
ingrained in old and patriarchal customs, Uzbek society values modesty highly—
especially for women. Women are supposed to be modest, kind, and quiet; they should
not call attention to themselves. Men frequently show less strict devotion to this
standard even when they are urged to be modest. To represent cultural values of
humility, Uzbek women often employ diminutives and submissive words (e.g.,
"Kichkina

ish

edim,"

"It

was

a

small

task").

Sociolinguistic Aspects Affecting Maxim of Modesty. Many elements affect how
modestly

expressed

among

sexes

in

both

languages:

Collectivist societies such as Uzbekistan stress communal unity and the need of
modesty, particularly for women, therefore strengthening their influence.
Gender roles determine anticipated behavior; women frequently use more subdued
words.
Formal environments accentuate the usage of modesty; professional rather than
informal

talks

clearly

show

gender

disparities.

Although both English and Uzbek people use the modesty principle, Uzbek
language shows a more gender discrepancy because of its conservative cultural
background. English displays less differences even if conventional expectations still
exist because more equitable gender roles shapes it. Though the degree differs greatly,
women's

voice

in

both

languages

is

usually

more

subdued.

In both English and Uzbek languages, the modesty maxim is essential component of
politeness. Its use is much influenced by gender, molded by society conventions and
cultural

expectations.

Knowing

these

variations

improves

cross-cultural

communication and emphasizes the interactions among language, gender, and culture.

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Том 3, Выпуск 02, февраль

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