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TRANSLATING ENGLISH PROVERBS INTO UZBEK
Scientific advicer:
Khalilova Shakhlo Jalilovna
Student:
Sa’dullayeva Dilorom Mamatsalayevna
Axborot texnologiyalari va menejment universiteti
Filologiya kafedrasi ingliz tili yo’nalishi
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14619229
Abstract:
Translating English proverbs into Uzbek involves specific challenges due to
linguistic and cultural differences. Uzbek, as a Turkic language, has a rich tradition of proverbs
(maqollar) that are often used in daily communication. While many English proverbs have
parallels in Uzbek, direct translations can face various challenges. Below are examples of English
proverbs, their literal translations, and culturally appropriate Uzbek equivalents.
Key words:
tradition, proverbs, linguistic and cultural differences, linguistic and cultural
differences.
Translating English Proverbs into Uzbek: Challenges and Solutions
1. Cultural Differences: Proverbs often reflect the values, traditions, and daily experiences
of a specific culture. For example, an English proverb like 'Don't count your chickens before they
hatch' may not resonate in the same way in Uzbek culture, where the concept of future outcomes
might be framed differently. A direct translation might not convey the intended meaning or
impact.
2. Idiomatic Expressions: Proverbs are typically idiomatic, meaning their meaning is not
literal. Translating idioms from English into Uzbek can be difficult because the structure or
wording of the proverb might not exist in Uzbek. Translators often have to find equivalent
idiomatic expressions that carry the same meaning but may differ in wording.
3. Linguistic Structure: English and Uzbek have different sentence structures and grammar
rules. While English tends to follow a Subject-Verb-Object order, Uzbek sentence construction
may vary, which could affect how a proverb is expressed. Translators must ensure that the
translation sounds natural while preserving the meaning.
4. Emotional and Rhetorical Effects: Proverbs often have a certain rhythm or emotional
weight, which can be hard to replicate in another language. The tone or rhetorical style may not
have a direct equivalent in Uzbek, and sometimes a translation can lose the emotional impact of
the original.
5. Wordplay and Sound: Some English proverbs rely on wordplay, rhyme, or alliteration
(e.g., 'A stitch in time saves nine'). These linguistic features can be difficult to translate into
Uzbek without losing their playful or mnemonic qualities.
Solutions: To overcome these issues, translators often use adaptation techniques, where
they may modify the proverb to fit the cultural context while maintaining the core meaning. In
some cases, an entirely different proverb in Uzbek may be used if it conveys the same lesson or
moral.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Literal Translation: Kitobni muqovasiga qarab baholamang.
Uzbek Equivalent: Tashqiga qarab odamni tanima.
Explanation: Don’t judge a person by their appearance. Uzbeks also use this idea to stress
that appearances can be deceiving.
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The early bird catches the worm.
Literal Translation: Ertalabki qush chuvalchangni tutadi.
Uzbek Equivalent: Ertalabki havoning nafasini ol.
Explanation: Take the breath of the morning air. Uzbek culture values waking up early for
productivity and good fortune, but the imagery might be adapted to something more familiar.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Literal Translation: Mushkul paytda yordam bergan doʻst chin doʻstdir.
Uzbek Equivalent: Doʻstingni dardda sinab bilasan.
Explanation: You recognize your friend in hardship. Both proverbs emphasize the idea that
true friendship is proven in difficult times.
Better late than never.
Literal Translation: Hech qachon qilmagandan kechroq qilgan yaxshi.
Uzbek Equivalent: Kech boʻlsa ham yaxshi.
Explanation: Even if it’s late, it’s good. This is a direct equivalent that works well in both
cultures.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Literal Translation: Rimda boʻlsang, Rimliklar kabi harakat qil.
Uzbek Equivalent: Elingga qarab ish qil.
Explanation: Act according to your community’s customs. Uzbek culture places high
importance on social harmony and adapting to local norms.
Two heads are better than one.
Literal Translation: Ikki bosh bir boshdan yaxshi.
Uzbek Equivalent: Koʻp boshdan aqil chiqadi.
Explanation: Wisdom comes from many heads. The Uzbek version reflects the same
collaborative mindset as the English one.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Literal Translation: Istak boʻlsa, yoʻl topiladi.
Uzbek Equivalent: Harakatda barakat.
Explanation: There is blessing in effort. Uzbek emphasizes persistence and hard work,
aligning with the meaning of the English proverb.
Make hay while the sun shines.
Literal Translation: Quyosh chiqqanda pichanni qiling.
Uzbek Equivalent: Imkondan foydalan.
Explanation: Take advantage of the opportunity. The metaphor of haymaking might not
resonate with Uzbek speakers, so a simpler equivalent is better.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Literal Translation: Har bir bulutning oq cheti bor.
Uzbek Equivalent: Har bir yomon ishning bir yaxshi tomoni bor.
Explanation: Every bad situation has a good side. The Uzbek translation conveys the same
optimism without the imagery of clouds.
You reap what you sow.
Literal Translation: Nimani eksang, shuni oʻrasan.
Uzbek Equivalent: Nima eksang, shuni oʻrasan.
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Explanation: What you sow, you will reap. This is one of the few proverbs that translates
almost directly into Uzbek because both languages use agricultural metaphors.
Summary:
1. Use Culturally Relevant Imagery: Replace unfamiliar metaphors (like worms or hay) with
Uzbek cultural references.
2. Prioritize Meaning Over Words: Ensure the core message is retained, even if it requires
rephrasing.
3. Adapt to Uzbek Proverbs: Where possible, replace English proverbs with existing Uzbek
maqollar that convey similar meanings.
References:
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Gudkov DB Theory and practice of intercultural communication. - M.: Gnosis, 2003.
3.
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cultures // Humaniora: Lingua russica. Proceedings of Russian and Slavic philology. Linguistics
IX. Interaction of languages and language units. - Tartu, 2006. - S. 27-37.
4.
Jalilovna, K. S. (2022). Common Similarities and Differences of Uzbek and English Fairy
Tales. European Journal of Innovation in Nonformal Education, 2(1), 366-369.
5.
Khalilova, S. (2022). PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECTS OF GLOBALIZATION. Gospodarka i
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Jalilovna, K. S. (2022). COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF UZBEK AND ENGLISH FAIRY TALES.
IJTIMOIY FANLARDA INNOVASIYA ONLAYN ILMIY JURNALI, 80-83.
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