European International Journal of Philological Sciences
97
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
97-102
DOI
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
28 February 2025
ACCEPTED
29 March 2025
PUBLISHED
30 April 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue 04 2025
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Methods of Word
Formation and Cultural
Relevance of Technical
Terminology in The Uzbek
Language
Abdullayeva Fotima Bakhromovna
Jizzakh state pedagogical university, Senior lecturer of the Department of
English language teaching methodology, Uzbekistan
Abstract
: This article explores the development of
technical terminology in the Uzbek language, focusing
on the various methods of word formation. It examines
semantic, morphological, and syntactic methods in
detail, highlighting how each contributes to the creation
of technical terms. The study emphasizes the
importance of utilizing the internal resources of the
Uzbek language to form terminology that is both
linguistically rich and culturally relevant. By analyzing
different suffixes and their use in technical contexts, the
article shows the adaptability and evolution of the
Uzbek language, ensuring effective communication in
modern technological fields while maintaining its
linguistic identity.
Keywords:
Uzbek language, technical terminology,
word formation, semantic method, morphological
method, syntactic method, affixes, suffixes, internal
resources, linguistic identity, technical terms, Fergana
dialects, terminology system, language development,
cultural relevance.
Introduction:
The Uzbek language, which has developed
based on the traditions of the classical literary language,
possesses broad capabilities for expressing events,
phenomena, and concepts of objective reality. As we
know, the internal resources of the language have
played an important role in establishing the terminology
of sciences and fields considered classical. This is
because, “...the first and most impo
rtant source of a
literary language’s vocabulary is its internal resources.”
[4, 131]
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METHODS
As in every language, several methods are used in the
Uzbek language to express (name) various concepts
and phenomena. According to A.G‘. G‘ulomov, there
are five main methods of word formation in Uzbek. [5,
39] These are the following:
1.
Word formation through morphological
means (affixation).
2.
Word formation through syntactic means
(reduplication, composition, abbreviation).
3.
Word formation through lexical means
(transferring a word from one part of speech to
another).
4.
Word formation through semantic means.
5.
Word formation through phonetic means
(internal changes and accentuation).
Based on the research of terminologist scholars, it is
known that not all methods of word formation are
applied equally across different terminological
systems. For example, in the ornithological
terminology of the Uzbek language, the semantic and
phonetic methods of term formation are relatively
active, whereas in other terminological systems
—
particularly in technical terminology
—
the semantic,
morphological, and syntactic methods of term
formation
are
considered
highly
productive.
Accordingly, it becomes necessary to determine the
extent to which each method and approach is applied
within the technical terminological system of the
Uzbek language.
That is why we found it necessary to study these
methods and approaches separately.
Regarding the enrichment of technical terms through
the semantic method, the terminologist scholar L.I.
Borisova writes the following:
“Merely increasing the quantity of a language leads to
a decline in its quality and a weakening of its structure.
This, in turn, encourages the growth of the language’s
vocabulary not only in terms of quantity but also in
terms of quality. For instance, new meanings emerge
in old words, and the relationships between their old
and new meanings are reinterpreted. Increasing the
vocabulary quantitatively is important in itself, but if
this process is not supported by qualitative
transformation, it could lead to the loss of the
language’s semantic continuity.” [3]
For these reasons, the semantic method of term
formation has been and continues to be effectively
used in various terminological systems. This is because
semantic word formation is a consistent and
traditional method applied in terminology.
As Professor S.I. Ibrohimov writes:
"An analysis of the lexical-semantic structure of
production terms (i.e., technical terms) shows that
these terms are formed by the creators based on a
correct understanding of the characteristics of objects
and phenomena, as well as by comparing and likening
them to the features of other objects and phenomena,
using figurative perception." [7, 154]
According to S.I. Ibrohimov, technical terms are created
based on the following criteria:
1.
Analogy criterion (resemblance to humans and
their div parts, resemblance to insects and small
creatures, resemblance to celestial bodies);
2.
Specification criterion;
3.
Attribution criterion (attribution to a tribe or
nation, attribution to a person’s name);
4.
Naming based on material;
5.
Naming based on function;
6.
Naming based on location;
7.
Naming based on external form and condition;
8.
Naming based on sound, and so on.
When reviewing the collected materials, it becomes
evident that many of the terms studied by S.I. Ibrohimov
and formed through the semantic method are currently
used to express various concepts related to modern
machinery and technology.
One of the oldest traditional headgear items among
Turkic peoples, the qalpoq (cap), has undergone
semantic transformation in this very way and is now one
of the terms used in technical contexts. As noted by S.I.
Ibrohimov, a technical term was formed on the basis of
the word qalpoq through semantic methods, originally
meaning “the thick, round part at the top of a nail —
the
head.” Today, however, its meaning has expanded
further and is used to refer to “a cover or lid that closes
the opening of various objects.”
If we were to represent the conclusions drawn from
these examples in a diagram, the following picture
would emerge:
NO
–
PTT
–
MTT / Here:
NO = Name of the object (qalpoq
–
“headgear”)
PTT = Pre-mechanical technical term (qalpoq
–
“head of
a nail”)
MTT = Mechanical technical term (qalpoq
–
“lid or cap
that covers an opening”) [5].
The presented evidence fully supports the idea that
there is "semantic inheritance" in the words mentioned
above. Indeed, it is precisely due to semantic
development that significant changes have occurred in
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the meanings of the word qalpoq.
In current terminology, there is a process of expressing
foreign technical terms with alternative equivalent
words. In other words, by semantically developing the
foreign language itself and introducing it into the scope
of technical terminology, the resulting term can
become equivalent to the original word's meaning with
a different term. As a result, such a word takes on a
new, technical meaning.
From the above, we can draw the conclusion that a
foreign
technical
term,
through
semantic
development, acquires a new meaning. These terms
are then expressed with Uzbek lexical units that can
serve as their equivalents. When we look at the
richness of Uzbek technical terminology, we can be
sure that many Uzbek words have begun their "second
life" in this way, meaning they are now being used to
express technical meanings. [2]
The linguist T.A. Degtereva writes in one of her articles:
“…the ability of a word to have multiple meanings is an
inherent feature of language and is considered a
fundamental semiological principle in language
development. This distinctive feature of a word makes
it possible to economize language resources, thereby
facilitating the effective functioning of language. If
every concept arising in human thought required a
separate sound complex for expression, the
vocabulary of the language would consist of such an
overwhelming number of words that, as a result, it
would become extremely difficult for speakers to
master the language, and the language would grow so
rapidly that it would create insurmountable challenges
in societal life.” [3; 3, 4]
For these reasons, technical terms formed through the
semantic method are particularly common in technical
terminological systems.
During the study of technical terms, it has been
determined that several lexical layers can find their
place in this terminological system due to semantic
changes.
These include:
1.
Names of human or animal div parts.
2.
Names of household items.
3.
Names of everyday objects.
4.
Terms related to pre-mechanical technology.
Before discussing the formation of technical terms
through the morphological method, it is important to
first address what a morphological word is. In
morphological word (or term) formation, affixes are
added to the root of a word. In the current Uzbek
literary language, there are approximately 300 word-
forming suffixes and prefixes.
From our analysis, it is clear that not all of these affixes
are used to form technical terms. The reason for this is
the specific characteristics of the terminology in each
particular field.
Naturally, the question arises as to which suffixes
(affixes) are involved in the current Uzbek technical
terminological system. It is known that every
terminological system, in turn, is divided into sub-
systems. It is in this context that the degree of activity
of a particular suffix in a given field becomes apparent.
For example, the suffixes -chi and -soz are actively used
to express the names of people related to technical
activities, whereas these suffixes are rarely used when
naming machines, weapons, and their parts.
Now, it seems appropriate to examine each of the
suffixes used to form technical terms.
1.
Formation of technical terms with the suffixes -
gich (-
g‘ich,
-kich, -qich).
The primary function of the suffix -gich (and its variants)
is to form names of objects and tools. Historically, this
suffix was somewhat inactive, but it has become
extremely active, especially in the technical terminology
system.
It should be noted that the Uzbek technical terminology
system offers real potential for the use of the -gich
suffix.
According to the history of terminology and the
confirmation of gathered factual material, at one time,
the idea that all Russian words (terms) should be
directly borrowed was dominant. As a result, a certain
reluctance to consider the internal resources of the
Uzbek language emerged. This situation can also be
observed in the Uzbek technical terminology system.
For instance, in some translations and dictionaries,
there are technical terms that could easily be expressed
using the internal resources of the Uzbek language.
In all works dedicated to terminology issues, the idea
that the internal word-forming resources of the native
language should be effectively used in term formation is
emphasized. This is because a term, which is supposed
to serve the people and facilitate their information
exchange, must primarily be understandable to that
very people. Therefore, we believe that, where possible,
the internal resources of the native language should
always be utilized.
2.
Formation of technical terms with the suffix -
soz.
The suffix -soz, which originates from Persian-Tajik,
forms the name of a person who is involved in making
or constructing a particular object or thing.
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3.
Formation of technical terms with the suffix -
ma.
The -ma suffix, which began to be actively used after
the 14th-16th centuries, is one of the productive
suffixes in Turkic languages, including modern Uzbek.
[12, 139]
It is known that, like in other Turkic languages, the -ma
suffix in Uzbek primarily forms nouns and adjectives. In
the technical terminology system of Uzbek, there are
terms formed with this suffix related to both
categories. Therefore, we will consider them
separately.
4.
Formation of technical terms with the suffix -
lik.
In the technical terminology system, the suffix -lik
expresses the following meanings:
1.
It forms names for people with specific
occupations, ranks, or positions. It should be noted
that, in the field of technology, the -lik suffix is
frequently added to all kinds of professions and
positions, thus forming terms.
2.
It forms the names of sectors and branches of
technology, as well as enterprises and institutions
related to technical activities.
3.
It forms terms that express the state or
property of technical objects.
5.
Formation of technical terms with the suffixes
-sh (-ish) and -lash (-lashtirish).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The -sh (-ish) suffix, one of the most active word-
forming elements in Uzbek, is used in technical
terminology, just as in the general language, to form
names of actions and processes. The -sh (-ish) suffix is
added to verbal stems to form terms related to
technical processes. However, when the name of a
technical process is derived from a noun, adjective, or
adverb, the suffix -lash (-lashtirish) is added instead of
-sh (-ish).
According to Prof. F. Abdullaev, the suffix -lash (-
lashtirish) became much more active after establishing
strong connections with the Russian language. The
activation of this suffix increased significantly in
relation to the naming of process terms formed with
the Russian international suffixes -i(ie), -atsi(ya), and -
k(a) in Uzbek. Among these process terms formed with
Russian international suffixes, there are many
technical terms, which has greatly increased the
number of terms formed with the -lash (-lashtirish)
suffix in the Uzbek technical terminology system. This
suffix is used to form technical terms by adding it to
both native Uzbek and Russian international roots. For
e
xample: a) cho‘kichlash (to shrink), kavsharlash (to
become rough), zichlash (to compact); b) shtamplash (to
stamp), sementlash (to cement), xromlash (to chrome),
mexanikalashtirish (mechanization).
6.
Formation of technical terms with the suffix -
cha.
In Uzbek grammar, the suffix -cha is traditionally used to
form nouns indicating diminutiveness or affection. Prof.
A. G‘ulomov, discussing the
-cha suffix, believes that
there is a tendency for it to form new words. Linguist Z.
Ma’rufov also proves with nume
rous examples that the
-cha suffix has lost its diminutive meaning and is now
used to create new words. Therefore, the -cha suffix
should take its proper place in the word-forming section
of Uzbek grammar. The -cha suffix is used to form either
the name of a technical tool or a part of that tool.
Formation of technical terms with the suffix -chi.
As is well known, the suffix -chi, which is very active in
the Uzbek language, primarily forms personal nouns
related to various categories. In the technical
terminology system, it is also used to form many
personal nouns that refer to individuals working in a
particular field of technology or managing machines,
mechanisms, and other tools. Another feature of the -
chi suffix is that it can also serve as an equivalent to a
number of Russian-international word-forming suffixes
[10].
In the Uzbek language, the use of the suffix -chi to form
object names is rarely observed. Since this suffix, in
addition to personal names, can also form names of
some birds and animals, it is possible for it to also form
the names of certain technical objects.
There are technical terms in which both prefixes and
suffixes are involved in their formation. This method is
particularly active in the thematic group of technical
terminology known as "terms denoting properties." In
other thematic groups, however, technical terms are
rarely formed using this method (and it can be said that
they are not created at all).
In the technical terminology of the Uzbek language,
terms formed by the syntactic method hold a much
more significant place compared to single-word terms.
The reason for this is that, like in all languages, syntactic
method terms in Uzbek are considered important
nominative sources. "In these terms, the characteristic
of the thing they represent is directly expressed. They
help in overcoming the 'linguistic barrier' in the process
of moving from ignorance to knowledge and in
consolidating social and practical information."
The construction (structural-morphological) material of
technical compound terms, meaning the words that
make up these terms, can vary in several ways. For
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example:
1.
Both components are part of the lexical units
of the technical terminology system. For example:
gaykali kronshteyn, mexanik qurol, temirchining
qo‘rasi,
vaakum magistrali.
2.
The defining part of the compound term
consists of a general-use word, while the defined part
is a technical term. For example: quruq bug‘, yassi
ombir, asosiy uzatma.
3.
The defining part of the compound term can
be of a technical terminological nature, while the
defined part may be a general-use word or a term that
is homonymous with this word. For example: spiral
pichoq, reaktiv pog‘ona, tarelka faskasi, porshen
yubkasi.
4.
Both components of the compound term can
consist of general-use words or terms that are
homonymous with these words, meaning both
components are made up of words that are not
technical terms. For example: tish cho‘qqisi, po‘lat
yamoq, farang quloq, orqa ko‘prik.
It is known that when a certain concept is expressed
through the syntactic method, compound words, word
combinations, and abbreviated words arise.
It is worth noting that in the technical terminology
system of the Uzbek language, compound terms are
rarely found (those that exist are considered
compound by some scholars, while others classify
them as combinations). However, since technical
compound terms are so numerous and diverse, it is
necessary to provide a more detailed discussion of
terms in this work.
Technical compound terms in the Uzbek language are
grammatically diverse. Most often, they are simple
combinations consisting of two independent words. At
the same time, compound terms consisting of three or
more elements also frequently appear.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the development and evolution of
technical terminology in the Uzbek language is a
complex and dynamic process influenced by various
methods of word formation. These methods
—
semantic, morphological, and syntactic
—
play a critical
role in enriching the technical lexicon, ensuring that it
remains both linguistically rich and functionally
efficient for expressing modern concepts in machinery,
technology, and other specialized fields.
The semantic method, for instance, demonstrates the
adaptability of words from their traditional meanings
to technical contexts, offering a robust means of
expressing new technological concepts. Morphological
affixes, particularly those such as -gich, -soz, and -ma,
contribute to the formation of terms that are closely
aligned with the internal word-forming resources of the
Uzbek language, offering a distinct alternative to foreign
borrowings. Meanwhile, the syntactic method of
creating compound terms provides flexibility and
precision, allowing for the combination of both
technical and general-use words to form clear and
effective terminology.
The internal resources of the Uzbek language, as
demonstrated throughout the article, are vital for
fostering a sense of continuity and cultural relevance in
the technical language. While borrowing from foreign
languages, especially Russian, has historically been a
significant factor in the development of Uzbek technical
terminology, there is now a growing emphasis on
utilizing the language's own morphological and syntactic
structures. This not only ensures the intelligibility of
terms for native speakers but also promotes linguistic
independence.
Thus, the study of technical terminology in the Uzbek
language reveals the richness and adaptability of the
language, showing how it evolves to meet the demands
of modern science and technology while retaining its
cultural identity. Continued research in this area will
further refine and expand the vocabulary, ensuring that
the Uzbek language can continue to effectively
communicate complex technical concepts in diverse
fields.
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