American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
42
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajsshr
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue02 2025
PAGE NO.
42-44
10.37547/ajsshr/Volume05Issue02-09
Stylistic characteristics of the use of numerical
components in phraseological units
Dilafruz Nematjanova
Researcher of Namangan State University, Uzbekistan
Received:
09 December 2024;
Accepted:
11 January 2025;
Published:
13 February 2025
Abstract:
This article explores the stylistic characteristics of phraseological units containing numerical
components, with a particular focus on their use in artistic works. Drawing upon the works of prominent Uzbek
researchers such as B. Abdirasulov and A.V. Kunin, the paper discusses the expressive power of numerical
phraseological units in various languages, including Uzbek and English. It highlights how these units, used in both
written and spoken speech, reflect the emotional and stylistic layers of language. The study emphasizes the role
of numerical expressions in enriching the aesthetic qualities of literary texts, particularly through the example of
Abdulhamid Cho‘lpon’s Kecha va Kunduz and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. By categorizing these expressions
and analyzing their impact, the article offers valuable insights into the importance of phraseological units in
literature, aiming to help students gain a deeper understanding of literary works.
Keywords:
Phraseological Units, Numerical Components, Stylistic Characteristics, Expressiveness, Literary Works,
Uzbek Literature, English Literature, Artistic Style, Idiomatic Expressions, Monologue, Dialogue, Cultural
Differences, Linguistic Resources, Literary Analysis, Symbolism.
Introduction:
The study of phraseological units,
particularly those containing numerical components,
offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship
between language, style, and meaning in literature.
Numerical expressions, often rich in symbolism, serve
as important linguistic tools that enhance the
expressive power of both written and spoken speech.
These units are particularly significant in artistic works,
where they contribute to the emotional and aesthetic
depth of the narrative.
In the realm of stylistics, numerous researchers have
examined the role of numerical components in
phraseological units. Uzbek scholars such as
Abdirasulov (2022) and Kunin (1987) have highlighted
how these units reflect the stylistic nuances of different
registers and are used to convey complex meanings
and emotions. This article focuses on the application of
numerical phraseological units in literary texts, with
particular attention to works by Abdulhamid Cho‘lpon
(2019) and Jane Austen (2008). By exploring the use of
numerical expressions in these works, the article seeks
to demonstrate how such units enrich literary style,
offering readers a more profound understanding of the
text and its characters.
Literature review
The study of phraseological units with numerical
components has gained significant attention due to
their role in enriching language and reflecting cultural
and emotional expressions. The research done by
Abdirasulov (2022) highlights the stylistic function of
numerative phrases in written speech, noting their use
to convey expressiveness and vividness. Similarly,
Kunin (1987) classifies these phrases into neutral,
expressive, and expressive-emotional categories,
showing how they serve different emotional and
aesthetic purposes in artistic writing. Molotkov (1977)
and Hockett (1978) observe that many numerative
idiomatic expressions emerge from spoken language,
playing a key role in conversational speech. This
suggests that numerical phrases bridge informal and
formal speech, enriching dialogue and character
interaction.
Cross-linguistically,
while
English
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research (ISSN: 2771-2141)
frequently uses numbers like "twenty" and "nine" for
exaggeration (as seen in Jane Austen’s works), Uzbek
uses other numbers, such as "forty" or "hundred," to
achieve similar effects. In Uzbek literature, particularly
in
Abdulhamid
Cho‘lpon’s
works,
numerical
phraseological units deepen emotional expression,
enhance character portrayal, and contribute to the
overall tone of the narrative.
METHOD
This study uses a qualitative, comparative approach to
analyze numerical phraseological units in literature.
The steps include: Corpus Selection: Literary works in
Uzbek (Kecha va Kunduz) and English (Pride and
Prejudice) are selected for their use of numerical
phrases. Identification and Classification: Numerical
phrases are identified, classified by their syntactic
function, and analyzed for their impact on meaning.
Contextual Analysis: Phrases are examined in context
to understand their emotional, thematic, and stylistic
roles. Cross-Linguistic Comparison: The study compares
the use of numerical phrases in Uzbek and English to
highlight differences and similarities. Interpretation:
Findings are synthesized to explore how numerical
phrases enhance meaning and narrative tone in both
languages.
RESULTS
In the stylistics of phraseological units containing
numerical components, several Uzbek researchers
have made significant contributions in their studies. For
example, Abdirasulov (2022), a teacher at Samarkand
State Institute of Foreign Languages, writes in his article
"Stylistic Characteristics of Numerative Stable
Phrases": "Phraseological units characteristic of the
artistic style are fixed word combinations mainly used
in written speech. Their field of use is written discourse,
which stands out for its expressiveness and vividness.
Second thoughts are the best
–
a literal translation is
'the second thought is the best'
–
Yetti o‘lchab bir kes
(Seven measures, one cut). A fool may throw a stone
into a well which a hundred wise men cannot pull out
–
Bir ahmoq quduqqa tashlagan toshni yuzta aqlli ham
olib chiqolmas
–
Bitta ahmoq tosh tashlasa, o‘nta aqllini
ovora qiladi (A fool can throw a stone that ten wise men
can't retrieve). Expressiveness and emotionality are
considered
by
Kunin
(1987),
who
classifies
phraseological units into three categories: neutral,
expressive, and expressive-emotional, which occur in
two stylistic layers: artistic and colloquial styles. To
scatter to the four winds
–
hamma (to‘rt) tomonga
tarqalib ketish. To think twice
–
puxta o‘ylash”
(Abdirasulov, 2022).
"The stylistic relevance and subtle nuances in the
expressive nature of phraseological units are defined
by specific linguistic tools and styles within each
language register. The speakers, drawing from the
national linguistic resource, express a particular
meaning and, by doing so, isolate certain
phraseological units within specific stylistic layers.
Analyzing Russian phraseological material containing
numerical components, Molotkov's (1977) statement
that 'phraseological units mainly originate from spoken
language' is supported. In the analyzed corpus, the
dominance of spoken phraseological units containing
numerical elements is clearly visible. For example, 'the
first person you meet' (referring to any person), 'from
the first nail' (indicating the beginning of something), or
'at least with one small eye' (suggesting a short or
superficial glance) are typical idiomatic phrases. These
examples confirm the prominence of spoken
phraseological units and their significant role in
conversational speech (Hockett, 1978). Additionally,
the stylistic characteristics of phraseological units with
numerical components reveal interesting variations
across different languages and cultures. Their unique
features reflect the historical, social, and linguistic
environments from which they originated. For
example, while some languages extensively use
numerical components in idiomatic expressions, others
use them less frequently. This demonstrates the
diverse ways in which numerical symbolic meanings are
integrated into the phraseological wealth of
languages”. We encounter such studies frequently, but
our research differs in that we examine stylistics within
artistic works. We will analyze them by categorizing
them into several types, believing that this approach
will help students to understand literary works more
deeply and make them more memorable.
“The stains left from the dark winter days are the
waste from living between four walls, the shadows
inherited from the fathers, the worries passed down
from the suitors, have they never been eradicated?”
(Cho‘lpon, 2019). In this sentence, the phrase
“between four walls” functions as an adverbial
modifier, intensifying the meaning of the sentence. The
phrase is used in a complex sentence, as the sentence
contains parts with different meanings and serves as a
clarifying segment. In the context, this phrase appears
in a monologue and expresses the hero’s inner feelings
and emotional turmoil. In stylistic terms, this phrase
conveys the character's isolation and the constraints
imposed upon him. The phrase "between four walls"
does not serve as an object but symbolizes emotional
confinement, helping to reveal the character's image.
This sentence contains impactful phrases that can
intensify the artistic rhythm of the work.
“This statement seemed to affect Saltiga, and she
smiled with a 'pix-x'. Zebin felt real anger; she stretched
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research (ISSN: 2771-2141)
out her hand to cover her friend’s mouth. 'Oh no,
you’re going to make things worse again!' she said”
(Cho‘lpo
n, 2019). This sentence functions as a defining
phrase related to the word “work” and shows the
degree and extent of the "work" in a syntactic context.
It is a complex sentence because the first part, “pix
-
x”
and the second part, “you’re going to make thin
gs
worse again,” are closely connected. In the context, this
phrase appears in a dialogue and contributes to
expressing the emotions of the characters. The phrase
“worse again” reflects the negativity of the action,
showing the character’s emotional reacti
on and
intensity.
“After hearing Zebin’s words, Saltiga was confident that
her friend would reply with ‘Okay’. Throwing one arm
around her friend's neck and hugging her, she said:
'Enough now, my friend! We’re leaving! –
Don’t say
eight before counting!'” (Cho‘lpon, 2019). The main
meaning of this sentence is given by “don’t say eight
before counting,” which serves as a warning. The
phrase "don’t say eight before counting" functions as
an adverbial modifier, clarifying the main action. The
sentence is simple, as it contains only one predicate,
with no additional clauses. Furthermore, the sentence
appears in a dialogue and has a meaning of advice or
caution, showing a friendly and sincere relationship.
The phrase “don’t say eight before counting” creates a
vivid image and maintains a natural tone of
conversation. Through this sentence, we can discern
the character’s carefulness, responsibility, and advisory
nature.
“But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many
young men of four thousand a year come into the
neighbourhood.
–
It will be no use to us, if twenty such
should come, since you will not visit them” (Austin,
2008). In English, the number “twenty” is often used as
an exaggeration. The author uses this phrase within a
complex sentence, helping to
reveal the character’s
persona. In Uzbek, when exaggerating, instead of
"twenty," the numbers "forty" or "hundred" are
sometimes used in colloquial speech.
“In nine cases out of ten a woman had better show
more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister
undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her,
if she does not help him on” (Austin, 2008). The phrase
“nine cases out of ten” is now more commonly used as
“nine times out of ten.” This phrase functions as a
defining clause, emphasizing the importance of
affection in women and contributing to the harmony of
the text. While such phrases are rare in Uzbek, similar
expressions like "out of ten" or similar variations are
occasionally used.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the significant role of numerical
phraseological units in enhancing the stylistic and
emotional depth of literary works. By analyzing
examples from both Uzbek and English literature, it
demonstrates how numerical phrases contribute to
narrative tone, character development, and thematic
expression. The research also reveals cultural and
linguistic differences in the use of numerical
expressions, providing insights into their varied stylistic
functions. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the
importance of phraseological units as a tool for
enriching literary texts and aiding in deeper
understanding for readers.
REFERENCE
Abdirasulov, B.A. (2022). Stylistic Characteristics of
Numerative Stable Phrases. Scientific Progress, 275-
278.
Hockett, C.F. (1978). Theories of Linguistic Structure.
Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Kunin, A.V. (1987). The Study of Phraseological Units.
Moscow: Russian Academy of Sciences.
Molotkov, A. (1977). The Origins and Development of
Phraseological Units. Moscow: Soviet Linguistic Press.
Cho‘lpon,
A. (2019). Kecha va Kunduz (Novel).
Tashkent: Ilm-ziyo-zakovat.
Austin, J. (2008). Pride and Prejudice. Gutenberg:
www.gutenberg.org.
