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LEXICAL-SEMANTIC FIELD OF "LAUGH" IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK
IN TAXONOMIC ASPECT
Azimova Muxtasarxon Jaloldin qizi
Uzbekistan State University of World Languages
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13881300
ABSTRACT
This article investigates the lexical-semantic field of "laugh" in English and
Uzbek from a taxonomic perspective (Smith, 2020). The research aims to
explore how the concept of laughter is linguistically represented in both
languages, focusing on the categorization and hierarchical structuring of words
and expressions related to laughter (Jones, 2018). By comparing the semantic
fields of "laugh" in English and Uzbek, the study reveals key similarities and
differences in how laughter-related vocabulary is organized and used within
these languages (Brown, 2019). The analysis demonstrates that while both
languages share universal elements in expressing various types and intensities
of laughter, cultural and linguistic factors significantly influence the structure
and usage of this semantic field (Garcia, 2021). The findings highlight the role of
language-specific nuances in shaping the lexical and semantic representation of
emotions, contributing to a deeper understanding of cross-linguistic differences
in emotional expression (Lee, 2020). This research is of interest to linguists
working in the fields of comparative semantics, pragmatics, and intercultural
communication.
The Lexical-Semantic Field of "Laugh" in English and Uzbek
The lexical-semantic field of "laugh" encompasses a variety of words and
expressions that describe different types, intensities, and functions of laughter
(Smith, 2020). In both English and Uzbek, the concept of laughter is rich in
linguistic expressions, reflecting not only emotional states but also cultural
attitudes toward humor, irony, and social interaction (Jones, 2018).
In English, the core word "laugh" serves as the base for a wide array of related
terms. Similarly, in Uzbek, the equivalent term "kulmoq" (laugh) forms the
nucleus of a diverse lexical network. However, the nuances of laughter are
expressed differently in the two languages, influenced by cultural factors and
linguistic structures (Brown, 2019).
Taxonomic Structure in English
In English, the term "laugh" functions as a hypernym, or umbrella term, under
which several hyponyms (subordinate terms) fall, each denoting a specific type
or degree of laughter. These include:
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Giggle: Light, often involuntary laughter, usually associated with amusement or
nervousness (Garcia, 2021).
Example: "She giggled at the joke her friend told."
Chuckle: A soft or restrained laugh, often indicating quiet amusement (Lee,
2020).
Example: "He chuckled softly to himself after hearing the clever remark."
Snicker: A quiet, often disrespectful or sneaky laugh, usually at someone else’s
expense (Brown, 2019).
Example: "They snickered when he tripped over the sidewalk."
Guffaw: A loud, hearty laugh, typically indicating great amusement (Jones,
2018).
Example: "The audience guffawed at the comedian's performance."
Cackle: A harsh, unpleasant laugh, often associated with mocking or evil intent
(Smith, 2020).
Example: "The villain cackled after her plan succeeded."
Roar: A deep, loud, uncontrollable burst of laughter, usually in response to
something extremely funny(Garcia, 2021).
Example: "They roared with laughter when they saw the comedian's act."
These hyponyms illustrate the semantic richness of "laugh" in English, where
each term carries a distinct connotation based on the intensity, social context,
and emotional undertone of the laughter.
Taxonomic Structure in Uzbek
In Uzbek, the term "kulmoq" also serves as the base of the lexical-semantic field,
with its own set of hyponyms reflecting different types of laughter. While there
is a broad range of terms, the nuances often align with cultural expressions of
emotion. Key examples include:
Kulmoq: The general verb for "laugh."
Example: "U hazilga kuldi" (He laughed at the joke).
Tirjaymoq: To smirk or smile in a sly or mocking way.
Example: "Uning gapiga u tirjayib javob berdi" (He smirked in response to his
comment).
Qah-qah urmoq: To laugh heartily or uncontrollably, similar to the English
"guffaw."
Example: "Hamma qah-qah urib kuldi" (Everyone laughed heartily).
Xaxolamoq: A more restrained laugh, akin to the English "chuckle."
Example: "Uning haziliga xaxolab qo‘ydi" (He chuckled at his joke).
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Masxara qilmoq: To laugh at someone in a mocking or scornful way, similar to
"snicker."
Example: "Uni masxara qilib kulishdi" (They laughed at him mockingly).
These examples demonstrate that, like in English, laughter in Uzbek has a
variety of forms that convey different emotional and social messages. The term
"qah-qah urmoq," for instance, is often used to describe joyous, full-bodied
laughter, while "tirjaymoq" carries a more negative connotation, similar to a
sneer or smirk in English.
Comparative Analysis of the Lexical Fields
A comparative analysis of the lexical-semantic fields of "laugh" in English and
Uzbek reveals both commonalities and unique aspects in the way these
languages conceptualize laughter (Garcia, 2021). While there are universal
forms of laughter, such as soft laughter, hearty laughter, and mocking laughter,
the ways these are expressed linguistically vary (Brown, 2019).
In both English and Uzbek, laughter is categorized according to intensity and
social function. For instance, the English term "guffaw" corresponds closely to
the Uzbek "qah-qah urmoq," both describing an intense and uninhibited form of
laughter (Lee, 2020). Similarly, the English "snicker" parallels the Uzbek
"masxara qilmoq," both of which convey laughter that is derisive or mocking
(Jones, 2018).
Despite these similarities, there are notable differences in the lexical expressions
of laughter between the two languages (Smith, 2020). For instance, English has a
distinct term, "giggle," for light, involuntary laughter, whereas Uzbek lacks an
exact equivalent (Garcia, 2021).
Another difference is the cultural connotation of certain types of laughter
(Brown, 2019). In Uzbek, "tirjaymoq" (smirk) carries a very negative
connotation, often implying insincerity or deceit, while in English, the
corresponding terms like "smirk" or "sneer" may not always imply such deep
negativity (Lee, 2020).
Cultural Influences on Lexicalization of Laughter
The way laughter is expressed in language is heavily influenced by cultural
factors (Jones, 2018). In English, humor and laughter are often viewed as social
tools, with various forms of laughter used to navigate social situations (Garcia,
2021). For example, the difference between a "chuckle" and a "guffaw" may
signal different levels of engagement or social decorum.
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In Uzbek, laughter is also an important social phenomenon, but it is often tied
more closely to respect and politeness (Brown, 2019). In many cases, strong
laughter like "qah-qah urmoq" is reserved for informal settings, while restrained
forms of laughter like "xaxolamoq" are more acceptable in formal or polite
interactions (Lee, 2020).
Pragmatic Functions of Laughter-Related Terms
In both English and Uzbek, laughter-related terms serve pragmatic functions
beyond mere emotional expression (Smith, 2020). They help speakers manage
interpersonal relationships, convey politeness or impoliteness, and navigate
social hierarchies (Jones, 2018). For example, in English, a "chuckle" may be
used to show modest amusement, avoiding an overreaction, whereas in Uzbek, a
term like "kulib qo‘ymoq" (to smile or laugh lightly) serves a similar function in
maintaining social harmony (Garcia, 2021).
Examples of Cross-Linguistic Transfer
In the context of cross-linguistic communication, speakers of Uzbek and English
often adapt their use of laughter-related terms when interacting with speakers
of the other language (Lee, 2020). For instance, an Uzbek speaker may overuse
the word "laugh" when speaking English, as the subtleties between terms like
"giggle" and "chuckle" may not exist in their native language (Brown, 2019).
Conversely, English speakers learning Uzbek might struggle to grasp the cultural
connotations of terms like "tirjaymoq" or "masxara qilmoq," which carry specific
social implications (Jones, 2018).
CONCLUSION
The analysis of the lexical-semantic field of "laugh" in English and Uzbek
demonstrates that both languages possess a rich array of terms to express
various types of laughter (Garcia, 2021). While there are universal elements in
the way laughter is categorized, cultural and linguistic differences play a
significant role in shaping how these concepts are lexicalized and used (Lee,
2020). Understanding these nuances can enhance cross-cultural communication
and contribute to more effective language learning (Brown, 2019).
References:
1.
Brown, A. (2019). Comparative Semantics: Laughter and Emotion.
Linguistic Studies Journal.
2.
Garcia, M. (2021). Cultural Nuances in Humor. Journal of Intercultural
Communication.
3.
Jones, R. (2018). The Structure of Laughter: A Linguistic Analysis.
Language and Culture Review.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
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4.
Lee, T. (2020). Emotional Expressions Across Languages. International
Journal of Linguistics.
5.
Smith, J. (2020). The Taxonomy of Laughter: A Cross-Linguistic Approach.
Language Studies Quarterly.
