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UNVEILING DYSPHEMISM: EXPLORING NEGATIVE
CONNOTATIONS IN LITERARY LANGUAGE
Matluba Baxronova Axmedovna
Teacher at Bukhara State Pegdagogical Institute,
E-mail: bakhronova.matluba@bk.ru
Tel: +998934542980
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11542155
Abstract
This article delves into the intricate realm of dysphemism within
literature, shedding light on the phenomenon wherein words and phrases
acquire derogatory or offensive connotations over time. Dysphemism, the
antithesis of euphemism, reveals the dynamic nature of language and its
reflection of societal attitudes, historical contexts, and cultural shifts. Through
an extensive review of literary works spanning different genres and time
periods, this study examines how certain terms evolve from neutral or clinical
descriptors to loaded markers of scorn or ridicule. By analyzing the linguistic
strategies employed by authors to convey dysphemic expressions, this research
seeks to elucidate the underlying social, political, and psychological dynamics
that contribute to the dysphemization process. Furthermore, this article
explores the implications of dysphemism for literary interpretation, highlighting
its role in shaping reader perceptions, reinforcing stereotypes, or challenging
prevailing norms. Ultimately, this study offers a nuanced understanding of
dysphemism as a multifaceted phenomenon that intersects with broader issues
of power, identity, and discourse within literary discourse.
Key words:
disease, dysphemism, euphemism, mockery , sarcasm
Dysphemization is a linguistic phenomenon where a word or phrase acquires
negative connotations or becomes offensive over time. This can happen for
various reasons, including changes in societal attitudes, historical events, or
cultural shifts. Dysphemization is the opposite of euphemism, where words or
phrases are substituted to make them sound more socially acceptable or less
offensive.
In the context of your inquiry about disease names used in literature,
dysphemization might occur if a term originally used neutrally or clinically to
describe a disease later becomes laden with negative connotations or mockery
due to societal attitudes or historical contexts. For example, terms like
"consumption" (for tuberculosis) or "lunatic" (for mental illness) have
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undergone dysphemization over time as societal attitudes towards these
conditions have evolved.
It's essential to be mindful of the potential for dysphemization when using
language, especially when discussing sensitive topics like diseases or health
conditions.
Dysphemization in artistic speech can be evaluated as an individual method .
This individuality is characterized by a certain priority over the individuality in
euphemism. Only "from the point of view of pragmatics, the euphemism or
cacophemism of the relevant language depends on the observer (listener)" (A.
Dabrowska). For example, the French disease (syphilis) euphemism found in
many European languages can be considered as a euphemism by
representatives of other languages, and as a dysphemism in some ethnic
environments. The terms Schwaby, French, and Prusaki can be taken as both
euphemisms and dysphemisms in the sense of "insect". After all, the dysphemic
meaning in units appears only in connection with a certain space and time and is
perceived on this basis. Dysphemic meaning, as in euphemisms, is mainly
associated with and determined by ethnic stereotypes. For example: It tegdi
TovoqQoshiqqa it tegdi (evf. — harom bo‘ldi) Menga it tekkan, men... (disf. —
nomusim buzilgan) The dog touched the plate. The spoon was touched by the
dog (euphemism - became unclean) The dog touched me, I... (dysph. - my honor
was violated) This is natural. Polysemantic, in the same situation, the word
"dog" used in relation to a person means an insult in both cases. This is one of
the conditions of dysphemism. However, based on the environment of the time
and the culture of the speaker, it should be said that the exact expression of the
meaning of "to be unclean" does not correspond to the character of the image, so
the euphemistic meaning of it tegdi is used. Because in the environment of the
beginning of the last century, in a situation where Islam was the dominant
ideology, being haram was considered as a very rude and unconscious
expression. What is forbidden is strictly forbidden according to the rules of the
Sharia, so the use of this word is also a reason to conclude that euphemization is
required. It is not surprising that there was a need to use another, although not
very delicate, option that is not so difficult to say. In the second one, there is also
a state of not being able to speak, but as O.V. Potapova pointed out, in this case,
the resemblance of a person to a dog can have a dysphemic impression from the
listener's point of view. At this point, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact
that the scenario of dysfemization consists of several stages. To compel someone
is a euphemism for the original term of reality, but it is dysphemic for the
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combination of touching someone's honor, and the expression dog touched is
dysphemic for the combination of dishonored. It seems that, despite having a
rhetorical character, their relative euphemism and dysphemism values are
evaluated on the basis of mutual comparison of euphemism and dysphemism
units representing the same denotative content. Therefore, it is appropriate to
rely on the principle of relativity when reacting to these units. Classification of
dysphemisms. Dysphema is a pragmatic phenomenon associated with a negative
subjective attitude to the denotation. This, of course, cannot be a reason to say
that it has no place in the literary language. Dysphemic meaning units are used
to leave a heightened negative impression on the listener about reality or a
person, but this situation shows that there is no reason to study, analyze and
interpret it in this way, moreover, to classify it, the purpose is unknown, there is
no need to see it. does not show. The problem is that, in fact, dysphemism is not
a system of absolutely separate units, the dysphemic value of such units is
rhetorical, it is considered in the same system as euphemism, at the same time,
as a tool opposite to it.
Dysphemic expressions that mean mockery, sarcasm. Qo‘tir itning keyingi oyog‘i
bo‘lmoq- To be the next leg of a scaly dog (a worthless person): The poet of
"Kalam guftoki..." When a pig broke out, he made me wander and wander for
seven years in vain, you will not stand on my dirty hair And when the best
people reached the throne of the dream of the bright world, I couldn't even be
the next leg of the mangy dog. (A. Qod. "Maslaku maksaddan shammai izhar
(little expression)") It is known that the pregnant expression, which is mainly
used in relation to animals, does not have any color. However, in some cases, it is
used against people and has acquired a dysphemic essence. For example: When
the children here ask about their condition, alhamdulillah, they also play and
laugh as if they are male or female, strait or qisr. ("Moscow Letters", Diyori Bakr
- 219)
Using disease names in English literature to convey mockery or sarcasm can be a
sensitive topic, as it may perpetuate stigma or offend individuals affected by
those diseases. However, there are instances where authors have employed such
language to convey certain emotions or themes. Here are a few examples:
Consumption. In older literature, "consumption" was a term often used to refer
to tuberculosis. In Charles Dickens' "Bleak House," for instance, the character
Mrs. Jellyby is described as being so consumed by her charitable endeavors that
she neglects her own family. This usage could be interpreted as a metaphorical
portrayal of how certain obsessions or causes can "consume" a person's life.
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The Plague. Albert Camus' novel "The Plague" is a powerful allegory for the rise
of fascism in Europe during the mid-20th century. While the novel directly
addresses the outbreak of bubonic plague in the Algerian city of Oran, the plague
itself serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of totalitarianism and the
human condition.
Cancer. In Sylvia Plath's semi-autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar," the
protagonist, Esther Greenwood, struggles with her mental health amidst societal
pressures and expectations. While the term "cancer" is not explicitly used, the
novel explores themes of psychological deterioration and societal malaise that
could be metaphorically linked to the insidious nature of the disease.
Leprosy. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "The Birthmark," the protagonist,
Aylmer, becomes obsessed with removing a small birthmark from his wife's face.
While not explicitly referencing leprosy, the story's themes of obsession, vanity,
and the pursuit of perfection can be interpreted as a commentary on societal
attitudes towards physical imperfections or differences.
It's important to approach these examples with sensitivity and an awareness of
the potential implications of using disease names metaphorically. Additionally,
consulting scholarly resources or literary analyses can provide further insight
into how authors utilize language and symbolism to convey complex themes and
emotions.
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THE NAMES OF THE DISEASE IN DIFFERENT TRANSLATIONS
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CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
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