SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN THE
EDUCATION SYSTEM
International scientific-online conference
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THE ANTONYMOUS RELATIONSHIP OF FRIENDSHIP/ENMITY IN
ENGLISH AND UZBEK FOLK PROVERBS
Ergasheva Gulzoda Shermurod kyzi
PhD student of the Namangan
Engineering and Technological Institute
Email: ergashevagulzodanumber1@mail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14854526
Abstract:
This article analyzes the antonymous relationship between the
concepts of friendship and enmity in English and Uzbek folk proverbs. It
explores how these two concepts are expressed differently in each culture while
reflecting the worldview, values, and social norms of the respective people. The
paper highlights the contrast between friendship and enmity as they are
presented in folk proverbs, focusing on their mutual opposition and their
common themes. The comparison reveals significant cultural insights into these
fundamental human relationships.
Keywords:
Friendship, Enmity, Antonymous Relationships, Folk Proverbs,
English, Uzbek.
Friendship and enmity are universal concepts that have existed throughout
human history. The way these ideas are expressed in language and culture
reveals a lot about the values and ethics of a society. Folk proverbs, as a
reflection of the collective wisdom of a people, often portray the oppositional
relationship between friendship and enmity. This article examines how English
and Uzbek folk proverbs illustrate these two concepts, emphasizing their
antonymous nature.
In English folk proverbs, friendship is often depicted as a bond of mutual
support and understanding. Proverbs like "A friend in need is a friend indeed"
emphasize the value of loyalty and assistance in times of trouble. The essence of
friendship in English proverbs involves trust, help, and a deep emotional
connection. Similarly, in Uzbek folk proverbs, friendship is closely associated
with sincerity and mutual assistance, such as the saying, "A friend is known in
trouble" ("Do'stni musibatda bilasan").
Enmity, on the other hand, is portrayed negatively in both English and
Uzbek proverbs. English proverbs such as "One enemy is too many, a hundred
friends are too few" underscore the destructive nature of enmity. Likewise,
Uzbek proverbs emphasize that enmity leads to chaos and ruin, such as "An
enemy will never help you, even in your hardest times" ("Dushman biron
yordam bermaydi").
SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN THE
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Both English and Uzbek proverbs highlight a stark contrast between
friendship and enmity. Friendship is seen as a source of support, trust, and
harmony, while enmity is depicted as divisive and harmful. Proverbs from both
cultures stress that a good friend is invaluable, while a single enemy can cause
significant harm. This reflects the universal human experience that both cultures
share regarding the importance of positive social relationships.
The way friendship and enmity are expressed varies significantly in both
cultures. English proverbs often reflect a more pragmatic and relational
approach to these concepts, focusing on the benefits of friendship in times of
need, such as "A friend to all is a friend to none." Uzbek proverbs, however, tend
to emphasize moral and spiritual values more strongly. For example, "True
friends are like brothers, enemies are like a burden" reflects a deeper sense of
kinship and loyalty within friendships.
The antonymous relationship between friendship and enmity is clearly
represented in both English and Uzbek folk proverbs, albeit in culturally distinct
ways. Both cultures value friendship as a crucial social bond and view enmity as
a destructive force. Through the examination of these proverbs, we gain insight
into the cultural values surrounding relationships and the moral teachings
embedded in language. The contrast between these two concepts reveals the
underlying ethical and philosophical principles that guide human interactions in
different societies.
Friendship and enmity are not just social phenomena but also deeply
embedded in philosophical and psychological contexts. Throughout history,
thinkers have recognized that relationships, whether positive or negative, shape
one's perception of the world. The concept of friendship is often associated with
moral virtue, emotional intelligence, and selflessness. On the other hand, enmity
is seen as a destructive force—whether it stems from jealousy, competition, or
misunderstanding
In both cultures, the idea of a "true friend" goes beyond mere
companionship. Friendship is often rooted in moral virtues, such as loyalty,
honesty, and mutual respect. The English proverb, "A friend in need is a friend
indeed," suggests that a true friend does not disappear when life becomes
difficult. Instead, they remain present and offer emotional and practical support,
which reflects a selfless commitment to another person’s well-being.
Similarly, the Uzbek saying "Do'stni musibatda bilasan" (A friend is known
in trouble) conveys the idea that real friends reveal their true value when tested
by adversity. This notion aligns with the philosophical idea that virtue is
SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN THE
EDUCATION SYSTEM
International scientific-online conference
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revealed in times of hardship, and friendship, as a form of moral virtue, is
especially illuminated when it withstands the trials of life.
In contrast, enmity is depicted as a destructive force in both English and
Uzbek proverbs. Proverbs such as "An enemy of my enemy is my friend"
(English) and "Dushman yuragida dard ko'rmaydi" (An enemy does not feel pain
in the heart) show that enmity often fosters division, lack of empathy, and
conflict. This reflects the psychological notion that hostility erodes human
compassion and can lead to the breakdown of social harmony.
Enmity may also emerge out of fear, misunderstanding, or a clash of
interests. The proverb "Dushmanni bilmasdan, do'stingni tanima" (Do not
recognize a friend until you know the enemy) suggests that understanding
enmity is a necessary step in recognizing true friendship. It can imply that the
contrasts between friendship and enmity allow one to value and understand
positive relationships more clearly.
English proverbs tend to highlight the functional and pragmatic aspects of
friendship. A key theme in English folk wisdom is the idea of friends being tested
in difficult situations. Proverbs like "A true friend is somediv who can make us
feel better no matter how bad things may be" and "Friendship is born at that
moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the
only one!" underscore the emotional connection that makes a true friendship
unique.
In this sense, friendship is presented as something transformative that can
uplift individuals emotionally and provide stability through turbulent times.
Trust and shared experience form the cornerstone of English understandings of
friendship. endship in Uzbek Proverbs:
In Uzbek culture, friendship is not only seen as an emotional bond but also
as something tied to moral and social duty. Proverbs such as "Do'stlaringni ko'p
bo'lsa, yolg'iz qolmaysan" (If you have many friends, you will never be alone)
and "Do'st degan so'zni faqat yurak eshitar" (The word ‘friend’ is heard only by
the heart) stress that friendship is a source of social support and emotional
fulfillment.
This suggests that in Uzbek culture, friendship is closely related to community,
where one's sense of belonging is supported by a network of friends. In many
ways, Uzbek proverbs portray friendship as a community-building force,
reinforcing the idea that individuals thrive better in a collective network that
provides support in both joy and sorrow.
References:
1.
The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (2015).
SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN THE
EDUCATION SYSTEM
International scientific-online conference
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2.
Uzbek Folk Proverbs (2009).
3.
Bukhari, I. (1996). Ethical Values in Uzbek Folk Proverbs. Tashkent:
"Uzbekistan" Publishing.
4.
Hume, D. (1750). An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. London:
A. Millar.
5.
Zarif, A. (1983). The Philosophy of Uzbek Folk Proverbs. Tashkent: Fan
Publishing.
