INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1452
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF POLYSEMOUS WORDS IN CROSS-CULTURAL
LANGUAGE INTERACTIONS
Kholova Aziza Anvarovna
Master’s student at the department of Linguistics
Karshi State University
Scientific adviser:
Nashirova Shakhnoza Burievna
PhD in Philological Sciences,
head of Foreign Languages Faculty ,Karshi State University
Abstract:
Polysemous words, which have multiple meanings depending on context, play a
critical role in cross-cultural communication. This study examines their impact on language
comprehension, translation challenges, and the cognitive structures influencing meaning
extensions. By analyzing English and Uzbek polysemous words in bilingual dictionaries, this
research highlights both shared patterns and significant differences in meaning. The findings
emphasize the necessity of cultural awareness and linguistic expertise in mitigating
misunderstandings and improving cross-cultural communication.
Introduction
Language is not only a tool for communication but also a reflection of cultural and
cognitive structures. One of the most complex linguistic phenomena is polysemy, where a single
word holds multiple meanings. Polysemous words often present challenges in cross-cultural
communication, as meanings are influenced by historical, social, and cultural contexts (Dalieva,
2023). Misinterpretations can occur when individuals from different backgrounds assign varying
meanings to the same word, leading to confusion or unintended offense (Norinboeva, 2023). In
bilingual dictionaries, polysemy adds another layer of complexity. Some polysemous words have
direct equivalents across languages, while others do not, causing translation difficulties
(Nashirova, 2023). For instance, the English word "eye" and the Uzbek word "ko‘z" share
similar meanings in certain contexts (e.g., div part, hole in a needle), but differences emerge
when extended senses are considered. Similarly, Uzbek words like "dasta" (handle, sheaf, pile)
and "davlat" (state, wealth) illustrate cases where a polysemous word in one language
corresponds to monosemous words in another (Bo‘tayev, 2010). This study explores the role of
polysemous words in bilingual dictionaries, their implications for translation, and strategies for
effective cross-cultural communication.
Methods
To examine the impact of polysemous words in bilingual dictionaries and cross-cultural
communication, this study employed the following methods:
1. Comparative Lexical Analysis – A selection of English and Uzbek polysemous words were
analyzed using bilingual dictionaries. Their meanings, extensions, and equivalents were
examined to determine similarities and differences (Nashirova, 2023).
2. Contextual Interpretation – Words were assessed in different linguistic and cultural contexts to
identify challenges in translation and meaning ambiguity (Dalieva, 2023).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1453
3. Linguistic and Cognitive Frameworks – Existing theories on conceptual structures and
meaning extensions were reviewed to understand how polysemy develops across languages
(Norinboeva, 2023).
Results
The analysis revealed several key findings:
Consistency in Core Meanings: Many polysemous words share fundamental meanings across
languages due to universal cognitive structures. For example, materials and their derived
products (e.g., "silver" as a metal and "silver" as a necklace) are commonly observed across
cultures (Bo‘tayev, 2010).
Cross-Linguistic Variations: While some polysemous words have direct equivalents, others do
not. The word "davlat" in Uzbek means both "state/government" and "wealth," but English
separates these concepts (Nashirova, 2023).
Cultural Influence on Meaning: The meanings of polysemous words evolve based on cultural
practices. Words related to authority or hierarchy often carry different connotations in various
languages, impacting social interactions (Norinboeva, 2023).
Translation Difficulties: Direct translations can be misleading when polysemous words lack clear
equivalents. A word like "season" in English has multiple meanings (time of year, flavoring food,
period for activities), which may not always be fully captured in another language (Dalieva,
2023).
Discussion
The findings highlight the complexity of polysemy in bilingual dictionaries and cross-
cultural communication. While cognitive structures contribute to shared patterns of meaning
extension, cultural and linguistic factors introduce significant variations. These differences pose
challenges in language learning and translation.
Implications for Translation and Communication
1. Need for Contextual Awareness – Understanding the surrounding context is crucial for
accurate interpretation of polysemous words. Speakers and translators must consider both
linguistic and non-verbal cues (Nashirova, 2023).
2. Cultural Sensitivity in Meaning Selection – Some words carry meanings that are culturally
specific. Translators should be aware of potential misunderstandings and choose the most
appropriate equivalent (Norinboeva, 2023).
3. Strategies for Managing Polysemy – Effective strategies include asking for clarification, using
culturally appropriate synonyms, and providing explanatory notes in translations (Dalieva, 2023).
Limitations and Future Research
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1454
This study primarily focused on English and Uzbek, but further research could explore
polysemy across a wider range of languages. Additionally, empirical studies on real-life
translation challenges would provide deeper insights into practical solutions.
Conclusion
Polysemous words are central to linguistic diversity and cross-cultural communication.
While they enrich language, they also introduce complexities in translation and comprehension.
By acknowledging the influence of cultural and cognitive factors on meaning extension, linguists,
educators, and translators can develop better strategies for managing polysemy in bilingual
dictionaries and multilingual communication.
References:
1. Bo‘tayev, Z. (2010). English-Uzbek dictionary: 24,000 entries. O‘QITUVCHI Publishing.
2. Dalieva, M. X. (2023). Sociolinguistic aspects of polysemy: A study of the role of social and
cultural factors in the creation and interpretation of polysemous linguistic terms. Web of
Scientists: International Scientific Research Journal, 4(3), 1147.
3. Nashirova, S. (2023). Interpretation of polysemy in compiling bilingual dictionaries of
English and Uzbek languages. Central Asian Journal of Literature, Philosophy and Culture.
4.
Norinboeva, D. J. (2023). Polysemy as a means of expression and different approaches on
this issue. Retrieved from academicsresearch.ru
