INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 705
LINGUOCULTURAL FEATURES OF GASTRONOMIC METAPHORS IN THE
ENGLISH AND KARAKALPAK LANGUAGES (BASED ON THE ANALYSIS OF
ARTISTIC TEXTS OF THE 21ST CENTURY)
Kurbaniyazova Manzura Radjapovna
kurbaniyazovamanzura4@gmail.com
Annotation:
This article delves into the linguocultural features of gastronomic metaphors in
the English and Karakalpak languages, focusing on their usage in artistic texts from the 21st
century. Gastronomic metaphors, as expressions of culinary terms that transcend their literal
meanings, provide insight into cultural values, worldviews, and societal norms. The study
examines how gastronomic metaphors are employed in both languages and explores their
linguistic and cultural significance. Through the analysis of various literary texts, the paper
highlights the similarities and differences in metaphorical usage and their role in shaping
cultural identity. The research contributes to the understanding of the intersection between
language, culture, and the world of gastronomy.
Keywords:
Gastronomic metaphors, linguocultural features, English language, Karakalpak
language, artistic texts, 21st century, cultural values, metaphorical expressions.
Introduction
Metaphors are a fundamental part of human communication and cognition, playing a
crucial role in how individuals perceive and interpret their world. Among the different
categories of metaphors, gastronomic metaphors stand out due to their rich cultural
significance and frequent usage across various forms of expression. These metaphors, derived
from the world of food and cooking, often convey deeper meanings that go beyond the mere
references to food and meals. They reflect cultural, social, and psychological aspects of
human life.
In both the English and Karakalpak languages, gastronomic metaphors are widely used to
express complex ideas, emotions, and social phenomena. However, the way these metaphors
are constructed and their cultural implications vary according to the specific linguistic and
cultural context. The English language, with its long history of cultural exchange and colonial
expansion, has developed a wide range of gastronomic metaphors, influenced by diverse
cultural practices. On the other hand, the Karakalpak language, deeply rooted in Central
Asian culture, presents gastronomic metaphors that are closely tied to the region’s
agricultural and nomadic traditions.
The analysis of these metaphors offers valuable insights into the intersection of language,
culture, and society. By studying the linguistic mechanisms and cultural context of
gastronomic metaphors in both languages, we can better understand how food-related
expressions are used to shape and reflect cultural identity.
Linguistic and cultural context of gastronomic metaphors
Gastronomic metaphors emerge from everyday experiences related to food and eating,
yet they often go beyond their literal meaning to express a wide range of emotions, ideas, and
social situations. In both English and Karakalpak, these metaphors are deeply intertwined
with the cultural understanding of food, hospitality, and social norms. Food is not just
sustenance; it is a symbol of social interaction, generosity, and tradition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 706
In the English language, gastronomic metaphors have been influenced by the history of the
British Empire, global trade, and colonialism. Many of these metaphors come from various
cuisines around the world, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of English-speaking societies.
Common expressions like “the apple of my eye,” “a bitter pill to swallow,” or “in a jam”
illustrate how food-related terms are used to convey emotions, challenges, and situations.
Similarly, in the Karakalpak language, gastronomic metaphors are closely tied to the
nomadic lifestyle, where food and drink were often associated with hospitality, community,
and survival. Expressions such as “to eat bread with someone” or “to feast on something” are
not just about food but reflect deeper cultural practices related to sharing, unity, and respect.
Linguocultural features in the 21st century artistic texts
The use of gastronomic metaphors in contemporary artistic texts from the 21st century
presents a unique opportunity to explore how these expressions evolve over time. In modern
literature, food-related metaphors are often used to critique societal issues, express personal
emotions, or highlight cultural changes. These metaphors may reflect shifts in societal values,
as well as global trends such as globalization and the fusion of different culinary traditions.
In English literary works of the 21st century, the use of food metaphors has expanded to
incorporate a broader range of cultural references, often serving as a tool for social
commentary. Writers may use food metaphors to explore issues such as consumerism, class
inequality, or cultural assimilation. For instance, in novels, characters might be described in
terms of food to symbolize their social status or emotional state, making these metaphors an
integral part of character development.
In Karakalpak literature, while traditional food-related metaphors remain prevalent,
there is also a noticeable shift toward more modern and globalized representations of food.
New gastronomic metaphors are being introduced, reflecting the changes in lifestyle,
technology, and social dynamics. The concept of food as a metaphor in Karakalpak artistic
texts is still largely tied to themes of family, hospitality, and community, though
contemporary works often incorporate more globalized culinary references, mirroring the
growing influence of international cuisines in local life.
Linguistic analysis of gastronomic metaphors
The linguistic analysis of gastronomic metaphors in both the English and Karakalpak
languages reveals key differences and similarities in their construction and use. In both
languages, food-related metaphors are built on conceptual mappings, where a culinary
experience is used to explain a non-culinary phenomenon. For example, in English, the
metaphor “to chew on something” is used to indicate careful thought or contemplation. In
Karakalpak, a similar metaphor might involve references to bread or other staple foods,
symbolizing sustenance or essential needs.
One of the main differences between the two languages is the cultural significance of certain
foods. In English, metaphors involving exotic or global foods are more common due to the
diverse culinary influences on the language. In contrast, Karakalpak metaphors often feature
more localized and culturally specific foods, such as bread, milk, and meat, which hold deep
significance in the Central Asian context.
Another key difference is the social aspect of gastronomic metaphors. In the English-
speaking world, food metaphors may reflect individualism and personal achievement, as seen
in phrases like “having a taste of success” or “a cherry on top.” On the other hand,
Karakalpak metaphors often emphasize communal values, such as sharing meals and
respecting elders, reflecting the collectivist nature of Karakalpak culture.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 707
Metaphors and their role in literature
In 21st-century artistic texts, gastronomic metaphors are used to reflect and critique
contemporary issues, adding layers of meaning to the narrative. In English literature, these
metaphors have expanded beyond traditional uses to comment on broader societal themes.
Modern writers incorporate gastronomic metaphors to address issues such as consumerism,
identity, gender, and power dynamics.
For example, in contemporary English novels, food metaphors are often used to explore the
fragility of human connections and the commodification of personal relationships. A
character might be described as “a spoiled dish,” reflecting both personal decay and societal
judgment. The metaphor emphasizes how food, once a symbol of life and sustenance, is now
a representation of loss or excess.
Karakalpak literature, while still deeply connected to traditional food metaphors, has also
started incorporating modern gastronomic metaphors that reflect global trends and the fusion
of cultures. For example, the metaphor "having a taste of the new century" may refer not only
to experiencing modernity but also to a sense of disconnection from the past. In Karakalpak
novels, food metaphors such as “eating the fruit of hardship” may symbolize endurance and
resilience in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in the
face of modernization.
Intercultural comparison of gastronomic metaphors
While both the English and Karakalpak languages use food-related metaphors, the
intercultural comparison reveals some striking contrasts and similarities. Both languages use
food metaphors to express emotions, social relations, and moral values. However, in English,
food metaphors tend to focus more on individualism, personal achievement, and material
success, while in Karakalpak, they emphasize collectivism, respect for tradition, and the
importance of family and community.
The metaphors in English often reflect the influence of global food cultures, with references
to international dishes and culinary practices. In contrast, Karakalpak metaphors remain
largely centered around local foods and traditional dishes that are integral to the region’s
identity and history.
Moreover, while English metaphors often focus on the complexity and diversity of modern
life, Karakalpak metaphors are more likely to center on the simplicity, sincerity, and wisdom
of traditional practices. For instance, expressions like “hearty as a Karakalpak meal” reflect
the rich, fulfilling nature of traditional life, in contrast to English expressions like “eating in
excess” or “digesting complex ideas,” which are often used to discuss modern complexities
and challenges.
Conclusion
The linguocultural features of gastronomic metaphors in the English and Karakalpak
languages reveal the deep connection between language, culture, and society. While both
languages use food-related metaphors to convey complex ideas, emotions, and social norms,
the specific foods and cultural contexts differ significantly. Through the analysis of 21st-
century artistic texts, it becomes clear that gastronomic metaphors serve as a reflection of
changing cultural values and societal trends. In both languages, food metaphors continue to
play a vital role in shaping how people think and communicate, providing valuable insights
into the cultural and linguistic diversity of the modern world.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 708
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