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DISCOURSE ON LINGUOCULTURAL FEATURES OF CONCEPT
HAPPINESS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES
Djumabayeva Mariyam Tolibjonovna
Master student of UzSWLU
X.Muxammedova
Scientific adviser: PhD.,
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14160388
Abstract:
This article explores happiness as expressed in English language
from distinct cultural backgrounds. In doing so, it addresses the semantic and
linguo-cultural characteristics that shape this concept. Through an analysis of
proverbs, novels, and metaphors, this study investigates how happiness is
conceptualized and valued differently in these cultures
Key words
: concept, happiness, semantic, English, Uzbek, characteristics,
feature
The concept of happiness is an integral part of human experience, yet it
varies in interpretation across different cultures. This comparison allows us to
uncover deeper cultural and philosophical differences, adding to the discourse
on how language reflects worldview and emotional perspective.
In English, happiness is often articulated through terms that emphasize
individual joy and achievement, like "contentment," "joy," and "satisfaction."
Each of these words hints at happiness as a result of personal fulfillment or
success, suggesting an individual-centered view where happiness is something
each person is responsible for finding. Common expressions such as "to be
happy with oneself" or "the pursuit of happiness" illustrate this perspective,
positioning happiness as both a goal and an internal state.
Happiness in English-speaking cultures is often celebrated as an individual
right and an achievement. The famous line from the U.S. Declaration of
Independence, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," encapsulates this
belief, suggesting that happiness is a personal goal, integral to personal freedom.
This cultural outlook has influenced how happiness is expressed in English,
often emphasizing personal success, growth, and self-expression. The concept is
based on the linguoculturological field of a hierarchical system of units that have
a common meaning and reflect the system of corresponding cultural concepts [3.
147].
In English, happiness is often viewed as a personal journey or aspiration.
Proverbs like “Happiness is a state of mind” and “Money can't buy happiness”
suggest that happiness is subjective, not tied to wealth, and depends on an
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individual's mindset or personal experiences. English literature also often
portrays happiness as a dynamic state that one strives for or discovers through
personal growth, relationships, or career accomplishments.
The linguistic and cultural analyses of happiness in English language reveal
that happiness, though universally significant, is culturally constructed. English
tends to view happiness as an individual endeavor, closely linked with personal
growth and achievements, while emphasizes collective well-being, family ties,
and ethical integrity. By examining how happiness is conceptualized through
language, literature, and proverbs, this study highlights the richness of cultural
diversity in defining and experiencing happiness.
The concept 'happiness / baxt contains a certain system of universal and
nationally determined values, which allows us to consider it as a basic
component of the national picture of the world of the languages under
consideration [4. 82.].
The concept of "happiness/baht" refers to a person's feelings and
reflects a state of satisfaction, so one can comprehend that the feeling of
"happiness/baht" is associated with emotions a kin to joy, considering the
sense of joy in the background. In English, the concept of happiness can be
expressed through such fundamental concepts as "luck" (good luck),
"pleasure", "joy", "ecstasy", "satisfaction". The lexical-semantic field of the
concept of happiness "bakht" in the Uzbek language relates to words like
"saodat" (the highest degree of happiness), "Omad" (good luck), "shodlik" (fun),
"hursandchilik" (joy), "taqdir" (fate).It is evident that in both English and Uzbek
languages, happiness expresses feelings. In both languages, "happiness/baht"
signifies significant positive moments. In etymological dictionaries, the
concept of "happiness" appears as a noun, which traces back to "hap"
(case, good luck), which according to “Cassel's concise English
dictionary” and a concise etymological dictionary of the English language
has a Scandinavian derivation [1.73 p]. According to dictionaries, the word
happiness is formed as an adjective "happy" and then as a noun
“happiness” through suffixation. The Uzbek etymological dictionary presents
"baht" as a Persian derivation [2.44 p]. An analysis of the etymological
dictionaries reveals that the concept of “baht” has semantic and lingua
cultural aspects. Comparative characteristics of concept “happiness / Baht”
make a number of synonyms in the English language: happy, lucky, felicity,
fortunate, bliss, pleasure, joy, glad, rap, fortunate, bliss, pleasure, joy, glad, rap
fortunate, bliss, pleasure, joy, glad, rap, bliss, pleasure, joy, glad, rap bliss,
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pleasure, joy, glad, rap, pleasure, joy, glad, rap pleasure, joy, glad, rap, joy, glad,
rap joy, glad, rap, glad, rap glad, rap, rap rapture, contentment, delight,
enjoyment, exaltation. In Uzbek language there are also synonyms can be
given as an example: saodat, omad, shodlik, hursandchilik, ikbol, masud, rohat,
farogat, mamnunlik. The analysis reveals the observation of semantic
correlative pairs among the synonymous ranks of the concept
"Happiness/Baht": glad —mamnunlik (Rejoice), fortunate —iqbol, omad (good
luck), contentment —rohat, farogat (satisfaction) In both languages, the concept
of “happiness” encompasses notions of fortune (luck) and satisfaction
(contentment).
The findings offer valuable insights into how language both shapes and is
shaped by cultural attitudes. This study also suggests further research into other
emotions and concepts across cultures to enrich our understanding of the
intricate relationship between language, culture, and human experience.
English linguistic culture, especially in contemporary Western societies,
often presents a nuanced view on the role of wealth in happiness. Common
proverbs like “Money can’t buy happiness” imply a critical stance toward
materialism, suggesting that true happiness cannot be purchased or achieved
solely through wealth. This reflects a view that happiness is more about
personal fulfillment than material gain.
Happiness is a universal concept that holds a cherished place in human
life across cultures, yet each culture defines and expresses it uniquely. This
research explores how happiness is understood and articulated in English and
Uzbek linguistic cultures. By examining linguistic expressions, proverbs, and
metaphors, we uncover both similarities and distinct features that reflect the
cultural values and worldviews of English-speaking and Uzbek-speaking
societies.
The list of used literature:
1.
Ragmatullaev Sh. O‘zbek tilining etimologik lug‘ati. Tashkent, 2003. −182
b.
2.
A concise etymological dictionary. Oxford University press 2006. − 450 p.
3.
Kubryakova, ES Logical analysis of language: cultural concepts. − M.:
Nauka, 1991. − 27 p.
4.
Zohidov S.H. The Concept of Happiness and Its Language-Cultural
Properties and Translation Problems in English and Uzbek Languages //
International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology
(IJRASET), 2022. − 245 p.
