ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
34
ZOONYMS AS DERIVATIONAL MEANS FOR DESCRIBING HUMAN
APPEARANCE AND BEHAVIOR IN THE ENGLISH AND UZBEK
LANGUAGES
Iskandarova Mokhizoda Durbek qizi
(Master’s student Uzbekistan State World Languages University; email:
islombekovamohizoda@gmail.com)
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16832028
Annotation:
The article examines the use of zoonyms as derivational
means for describing human appearance and behavior in English and Uzbek. It
highlights the semantic role of metaphors, particularly zoonym-based ones, as
productive tools in expressing complex personal traits vividly and figuratively.
Drawing on examples from both languages, the study categorizes zoonym
metaphors into two groups: those describing physical appearance and those
describing character traits. According to comparative analysis, many metaphors
coincide cross-linguistically. Metaphorical zoonyms not only enrich descriptive
language but also reflect cultural values and symbolic associations unique to
each language community.
Introduction.
There are semantically derived means of describing human
qualities, and they are one of the productive tools of descriptive language.
Figures of speech can be examples for semantical derivational means of
describing human trait, as they have fully or partially derived meaning.
Especially metaphors play a crucial role in the English and Uzbek
language, particularly in describing human appearance and character. They
allow speakers to express complex ideas vividly and concisely while adding
nuance and emotional color to communication. Their function in English will be
explored and compared to Uzbek metaphors.
Additionally, metaphor, as a fundamental cognitive and linguistic tool,
enables speakers to conceptualize abstract traits by linking them to concrete
experiences. In describing human appearance and character, metaphors often
rely on associations with animals, nature, objects, and mythology.
Discussion and results.
Zoonyms are one of the most common ways of
describing both human appearance and character in both languages.
Table 1. Zoonym metaphors for describing human appearance
English language
What quality does it
describe
Uzbek language
lion
someone who appears
strong and courageous,
often
with
a
sher , arslon
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
35
commanding presence.
snake
someone with a slender
or agile physique.
Suv ilon
snake
someone
with
poisonous, unfriendly
look
ilon
owl
someone with large,
expressive eyes
ukki
fox
someone with sharp
features or a cunning
look
tulki
bull
someone with a thick,
muscular
neck,
implying strength and
robustness.
buqa
Cat
someone who moves
elegantly and smoothly,
suggesting agility and
poise.
kiyik
This table shows that English and Uzbek languages are not completely
different from each other in use of zoonyms to describe human appearance. In
most cases, metaphors are fully matched with each other (i.e. fox-tulki). There is
one distinction is found in describing someone who moves elegantly and
smoothly. In Uzbek culture this kind of people are not seen as cat, because cat is
not considered as graceful. “Kiyik” and its movements are thought to be
appropriate for elegant women.
Table 2. Zoonym metaphors for describing human character:
English language
What quality does it
describe
Uzbek language
snake
someone
who
is
deceitful
or
treacherous,
hiding
their true intentions.
ilon
wasp
someone who speaks
poisonous,
hurting
words
ilon
fox
someone who is clever tulki
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
36
and shrewd, often using
their intelligence to
outsmart others.
dove
someone with gentle,
soft features, conveying
peace and serenity.
musicha
bee
busy person
asalari, chumoli
chicken
someone
who
is
cowardly
or
easily
frightened.
quyon
bear
someone who sleeps
deeply
ayiq
rat, judas goat
someone who betrays
easily
echki
ox
someone
who
is
considered dull
tovuq, qo’y
bull
someone who speaks to
others without respect
and tries to fight with
them
it
In metaphors that are used for describing human personality have more
differences than human appearance when they are compared between two
languages, and there is an essential role of cultural concepts. For example, dove
is considered as a symbol of peace in Uzbek language too as in English, but the
word “musicha” is frequently related with adjectives “gentle, harmless and soft.”
The Uzbek expression “musichayi beozor” (harmless small bird”) can be a good
example.
Another variety is seen in connecting coward features of people with
animals. In English the expression “chicken-hearted” is used, while Uzbeks use “
quyonyurak” for people who are frightened easily.
But still most zoonym metaphors of describing human character are
similar in both languages (deceitful people are snakes, people who sleeps deeply
are bears).
Conclusion.
Zoonyms are used to express human traits and outer look in a
more expressive and imaginative way. These linguistic devices offer insight into
cultural values and cognitive patterns, reinforcing shared understandings within
a speech community. Understanding and mastering these expressions is
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
37
essential for achieving fluency and appreciating the deeper layers of
communication.
References:
1. Iskandarova, M.D (2024). Lexical units of describing human appearance in
English and Uzbek languages. Science Shine, 23(1) 32-38.;
2. Metyakubov, J. (2021). Lexical means for describing human appearance and
character. Bulletin of Science and Practise, 7(12), 447-451.
3. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
4. https://izoh.uz/.
