International Journal Of Literature And Languages
11
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue07 2025
PAGE NO.
11-13
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue07-03
Lexical-Semantic Comparative Analysis of Headwear
Vocabulary in Uzbek And Karakalpak Languages
Aytmuratova Eleonora Bakhtovna
Teacher of Uzbek (State) Language, Nukus City School No. 22 with a Specialized Class for In-Depth Study of Certain Subjects,
Independent Researcher, Department of Uzbek Linguistics, Karakalpak State University, Uzbekistan
Received:
10 May 2025;
Accepted:
06 June 2025;
Published:
08 July 2025
Abstract:
This article is dedicated to the lexical-semantic comparative analysis of headwear vocabulary in the
Uzbek and Karakalpak languages. The study aims to examine the etymological origins, semantic transformations,
and cultural contexts of headwear-related terms in both languages, identifying their shared and distinct
characteristics. The analysis focuses on the lexical-
semantic features of terms such as “saukele” and “do‘ppi,” as
well as their historical and contemporary usage differences. The article seeks to illuminate the linguistic and
cultural interconnections between the Uzbek and Karakalpak peoples.
Keywords:
Saukele, do‘ppi, headwear, lexical
-
semantic analysis, Etymology, salla, takıya, chapan
.
Introduction:
The Uzbek and Karakalpak peoples are
distinguished by their rich cultural heritage, particularly
through their traditional clothing and headwear.
Headwear serves not only practical purposes but also
holds significant social, cultural, and symbolic value,
reflecting the historical and ethnic identity of these
peoples. According to “Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage
in World Collections” (Volume IX), the Karakalpak
women’s “saukele” headwear, reminiscent of the
helmets of ancient Sak-Massaget warriors, is adorned
with silver pendants and embroidery, representing a
pinnacle of artistic expression. In contrast, Uzbek
headwear such as “do‘ppi,” “salla,” and “sharf” forms
an integral part of national attire, symbolizing social
status and aesthetic preferences. The vocabulary
associated with these headwear items is crucial for
understanding the semantic richness of the languages,
their historical development, and the cultural
interconnections between these peoples.
METHODOLOGY
To conduct a lexical-semantic comparative analysis of
headwear vocabulary in the Uzbek and Karakalpak
languages, specifically focusing on terms such as
“saukele” and “do‘ppi,” a qualitative research approach
was employed. This study integrates lexicological,
etymological, and cultural analysis to explore the
semantic structures and cultural contexts of these
terms. The methodology consists of the following
steps:
Data Collection: Primary data were gathered from
linguistic and ethnographic sources, with a key focus on
the descriptions of headwear in “Uzbekistan’s Cultural
H
eritage in World Collections” (Volume IX), which
provides detailed insights into the Karakalpak “saukele”
and its cultural significance, as well as references to
Uzbek headwear such as “do‘ppi”. Additional sources,
including lexicographic materials like Uzbek and
Karakalpak dictionaries and ethnographic studies on
traditional clothing, were consulted to compile a
comprehensive list of headwear-related terms in both
languages. Where direct access to Karakalpak
dictionaries was limited, secondary sources such as
Safarov’s studies on clothing and accessory vocabulary
were utilized . Lexical-Semantic Analysis: The semantic
fields of “saukele” and “do‘ppi” were analyzed by
examining their denotative and connotative meanings.
This involved identifying the core meanings, synonyms,
and regional variations of these terms in both
languages. For instance, the “saukele” is described as a
ceremonial headpiece with historical ties to Sak-
Massaget warrior helmets, adorned with silver
pendants and embroidery, while “do‘ppi”
refers to a
broader category of skullcaps with regional stylistic
variations . Semantic shifts, such as archaicization or
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
12
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
specialization of meanings, were traced by comparing
historical and contemporary usages of these terms.
Etymological Investigation: The etymological origins of
“saukele” and “do‘ppi” were explored to identify their
linguistic roots and potential cross-linguistic influences.
The analysis drew on studies of Turkic lexical layers, as
outlined in works like “Materials from the History of
Uzb
ek Language Lexis” by Usmonov and Hamidov, to
determine whether these terms belong to the native
Turkic layer or are borrowed from Persian, Arabic, or
other languages . This step also involved comparing the
morphemes and word-formation patterns in Uzbek and
Karakalpak to assess linguistic similarities and
divergences. Validation and Cross-Checking: To ensure
accuracy, the findings were cross-checked with
additional sources, such as online materials from
uzbekembassy.in, which describe regional variations of
Uzbek “do‘ppi” . Where gaps in Karakalpak data
existed, consultations with ethnographic studies and
expert opinions from regional archives, such as those at
the I.V. Savitskiy State Art Museum, were planned to
supplement the analysis.
Following E. B. Aytm
uratova’s model, the analysis
begins by identifying core (nuclear) and peripheral
units in the clothing vocabulary. For instance, in both
Uzbek and Karakalpak languages, lexemes like chapan
–
shapan, do‘ppi –
takıya are central units in the
outerwear and headwear semantic fields, respectively
(Aytmuratova, “O‘zbek va Qoraqalpoq tillaridagi kiyim
leksikasi…”). The semantic structure of each lexeme is
examined through componential analysis. For example,
the lexeme lozim (Uzbek) and shalbar (Karakalpak) are
compared based on their cultural, functional, and
gender-based attributes. These features are analyzed
in terms of semes such as [+national], [+female],
[+formal], which reflect sociocultural and pragmatic
distinctions.
RESULTS
The lexical-semantic comparative analysis of headwear
vocabulary in Uzbek and Karakalpak languages,
specifically focusing on the terms “saukele” and
“do‘ppi,” revealed distinct and shared characteristics in
their semantic structures and cultural contexts. The
findings
are
organized
into
lexical-semantic,
etymological, and cultural dimensions. The term
“saukele” denotes a ceremonial headpiece worn
primarily by Karakalpak brides during wedding
ceremonies. Its semantic field includes connotations of
prestige, tradition, and artistry, as it is adorned with
silver pendants and intricate embroidery, symbolizing
wealth and cultural heritage. The term is specific to
female headwear and is rarely used in everyday
contexts, indicating a specialized semantic scope. In
Uzbek, “do‘ppi” refers to a sk
ullcap worn by both men
and women, with regional variations such as the Chust,
Fergana, and Khorezm-Qarakalpak styles. Its semantic
field is broader, encompassing everyday use, cultural
identity, and social status. Unlike “saukele,” “do‘ppi” is
not restricted to ceremonial contexts and includes
synonyms like “kalla do‘ppi” (round skullcap) in certain
dialects. While both terms denote headwear, “saukele”
is semantically narrower, tied to specific ceremonial
functions, whereas “do‘ppi” is more versatile, used
across genders and contexts. No direct synonym for
“saukele” was identified in Uzbek, though terms like
“salla” (headscarf) share some functional similarities.
Conversely, Karakalpak uses “do‘ppi” in some regions,
likely borrowed from Uzbek, indicating linguistic
convergence.
“Saukele”: The term “saukele” likely derives from
Turkic roots, with “sau” possibly linked to “armor” or
“protection,” reflecting its historical resemblance to
Sak-Massaget warrior helmets. Its etymology suggests
a connection to ancient Turkic traditions, with no
significant influence from Persian or Arabic lexical
layers. The term “do‘ppi” is of Turkic origin, related to
the root “dop” (meaning “top” or “head covering”)
found in other Turkic languages. Some regional variants
incorporate Persian-
influenced terms like “salla” or
“sharf,” indicating a mixed etymological profile in
Uzbek headwear vocabulary.
DISCUSSION
The results highlight the intricate interplay between
linguistic and cultural factors in the headwear
vocabulary of Uzbek and Karakalpak languages. The
semantic specificity of “saukele” in Karakalpak, tied to
bridal ceremonies and historical warrior aesthetics,
contrasts with the broader, more versatile semantic
range of “do‘ppi” in Uzbek, which spans everyday and
ceremonial uses. This divergence reflects the distinct
cultural roles of headwear in the two societies: the
Karakalpak “saukele” as a ceremonial artifact versus
the Uzbek “do‘ppi” as a multifaceted cultural symbol.
The shared Turkic etymological roots of both terms
underscore the linguistic proximity of Uzbek and
Karakalpak, both being Kipchak Turkic languages, yet
the absence of a direct Uzbek equivalent for “saukele”
suggests a degree of cultural and lexical divergence.
The findings also point to the influence of regional and
historical factors on lexical-semantic development. The
“do‘ppi”’s broader semantic field may result from its
widespread use across Uzbekistan’s diverse regions,
while the “saukele”’s specialized meaning aligns with
its role in specific Karakalpak rituals. The presence of
Persian-
influenced terms like “salla” in Uzbek
headwear vocabulary highlights the impact of historical
linguistic contact, which is less evident in Karakalpak.
This difference may reflect varying degrees of external
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
cultural influence on the two languages. Limitations of
the study include the scarcity of Karakalpak-specific
lexicographic resources, which necessitated reliance on
secondary sources like Safarov’s studies (Safarov 46).
Future research could benefit from accessing primary
Karakalpak dictionaries or conducting fieldwork to
collect oral data on headwear terms. Additionally,
expanding the analysis to include other headwear
terms, such as “lachak” or “paranji,” could provide a
more comprehensive understanding of lexical-
semantic patterns.
CONCLUSION
The lexical-semantic comparative analysis of headwear
vocabulary in Uzbek and Karakalpak languages,
specifically focusing on the terms “saukele” and
“do‘ppi,” reveals significant insights into the linguistic
and cultural interconnections between these two
Turkic peoples. The study demonstrates that while
both terms share a common Turkic etymological
foundation, their semantic scopes and cultural roles
diverge significantly. The Karakalpak “saukele” is a
semantically specialized term, tied to ceremonial
contexts such as bridal ceremonies and reflecting
historical ties to ancient Sak-Massaget traditions
through its ornate design. In contrast, the Uzbek
“do‘ppi” encompasses a broader semantic field, serving
as a versatile symbol of cultural identity, social status,
and regional diversity across various contexts. These
findings highlight the interplay between language and
culture, where headwear vocabulary acts as a lens for
understanding historical, social, and regional dynamics.
The
shared use of “do‘ppi” in some Karakalpak contexts
suggests linguistic borrowing and cultural exchange,
particularly in regions like Khorezm, while the absence
of a direct Uzbek equivalent for “saukele” underscores
the unique cultural significance of this term in
Karakalpak traditions . The influence of Persian lexical
elements in Uzbek headwear terms, such as “salla,”
further points to differing degrees of external linguistic
contact between the two languages.
This study contributes to the broader understanding of
Turkic linguistic heritage and cultural diversity,
emphasizing the importance of material culture in
shaping lexical-semantic development. However,
limitations such as the limited availability of
Karakalpak-specific lexicographic resources highlight
the need for further research. Future studies could
explore additional headwear terms, such as “lachak” or
“paranji,” and incorporate primary Karakalpak
dictionaries or oral histories to deepen the analysis.
Fieldwork involving interviews with native speakers or
artisans could also provide richer insights into
contemporary usage and regional variations.
In conclusion, the comparative analysis of “saukele”
and “do‘ppi” underscores the intricate relationship
between language, culture, and identity in Uzbek and
Karakalpak societies. By examining these terms, this
study not only illuminates their lexical-semantic and
cultural significance but also paves the way for further
exploration of Turkic linguistic and cultural heritage.
REFERENCES
Aytmuratova , E. B. (2025). O‘zbek va qoraqalpoq
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Xabarlar
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https://doi.org/10.70728/kspi.v5i1.473
Safarov, M. Studies on Uzbek and Karakalpak Clothing
and Accessory Lexis. fayllar.org, 2020, pp. 45-47.
Savitskiy, I.V. Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage in World
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123-125.
Usmonov, Olim, and Shafiq Hamidov. Materials from
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