International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue01 2025
PAGE NO.
44-49
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue01-11
Cultural aspects of numbers from one to ten in english
and Uzbek languages
Karimova Iroda Baxtiyor qizi
Karshi State University, Uzbekistan
Received:
23 October 2024;
Accepted:
25 December 2024;
Published:
27 January 2025
Abstract:
This article delves into the cultural and symbolic significance of numbers from one to ten in English and
Uzbek languages, highlighting their roles in folklore, traditions, superstitions, and idiomatic expressions. Drawing
upon cognitive and linguistic theories, the research emphasizes how numbers function beyond their mathematical
purpose, serving as carriers of cultural identity and societal values. By exploring the shared and distinct
interpretations of these numbers, the article illuminates the interplay between language, culture, and cognition,
showcasing how numerical symbolism bridges individual and collective beliefs in English-speaking and Uzbek-
speaking societies.
Keywords:
Numbers, culture, symbolism, English language, Uzbek language, idiomatic expressions, folklore,
traditions, cognition, collective beliefs.
Introduction:
Numbers
are
more
than
just
mathematical tools; they carry deep cultural, historical,
and symbolic meanings. In both English and Uzbek
cultures, numbers from 1 to 10 hold significant value,
appearing in folklore, traditions, superstitions, and
everyday language. This article explores the cultural
dimensions of these numbers, highlighting their roles in
rituals, idiomatic expressions, and collective beliefs in
both English and Uzbek-speaking societies.
Neurologists and cognitive scientists, such as Stanislas
Dehaene, argue that numbers are not just abstract
mathematical entities but also deeply tied to human
cognition and perception. In his book, “The Number
Sense,” Dehaene explains how the number one
represents the simplest cognitive representation of
quantity
—
a singular object, entity, or concept. This
foundational perception extends into cultural systems,
where
singularity
often
symbolizes
primacy,
uniqueness, and origin.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The number One holds a foundational role in numerals
and language across cultures. It represents unity,
singularity, and the beginning of counting systems.
Linguists and anthropologists often highlight how the
word for “one” is among the earliest and most stable
terms in human languages. Frege argued that numbers,
including one, are not mere labels for collections but
abstract entities that exist independently of physical
reality.
Unity and Oneness
In English-speaking cultures, the number 1 is frequently
associated with individualism and self-reliance. Ifrah
explained that early human civilizations often began
numerical systems with a concept of one as a unique
entity, distinct from plurality. Expressions such as “Be
number one” or “You are your own person” highlight a
cultural emphasis on personal achievement and
independence. The Western philosophical tradition,
shaped by thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-
Jacques Rousseau, underscores the primacy of the
individual as a singular, autonomous unit within
society.
In contrast, Uzbek culture often interprets the number
one through a lens of collective unity and spiritual
singularity. Th
e phrase “Yagona Alloh” (One God)
reflects the core of Islamic monotheism, a cornerstone
of Uzbek cultural and spiritual identity. According to Dr.
Nurbek Ibragimov, a cultural historian from Tashkent
State University, “The number one in Uzbek tradition
represents both divine singularity and communal
harmony
—
a balance between individual identity and
collective responsibility.”
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
Leadership and Success
In both cultures, the number 1 symbolizes leadership
and excellence. In English-speaking societies, achieving
“Number One” in competitions or academics signifies
ultimate success. Titles like “Number One Bestseller” or
“First Place Champion” reinforce this cultural
association.
In Uzbek culture, being “birinchi” (first) carries not only
prestige but also responsibility and accountability. The
eldest child, referred to as “birinchi farzand”, often
bears social and emotional responsibility for younger
siblings, reflecting a hierarchical structure embedded in
family dynamics.
Language serves as a mirror of cultural attitudes. In
English, idioms such as: “One step at a time” –
emphasizes gradual progress, “One in a million” –
highlights uniqueness. In Uzbek, proverbs like: “Yigirma
barmoqqa bir bosh kerak.” (Twenty fingers need one
head)
–
Stress the importance of lead
ership.“Bir qadam
tashla, ming qadam yo‘l ochiladi.” (Take one step, and
a thousand paths will open)
–
Suggests initiative and
courage.
Scientific and Cultural Synthesis
Research in numerology and cultural psychology
suggests that humans universally attribute symbolic
power to the number 1 due to its cognitive simplicity
and symbolic clarity. In both English and Uzbek
traditions, the number 1 acts as a cultural metaphor for
origins, unity, and exceptionalism. However, while
English culture often emphasizes individuality and
competition, Uzbek culture intertwines the number
one with spirituality, family roles, and collective
responsibility.
The number one holds profound symbolic and cultural
importance across civilizations, transcending linguistic
and geographical boundaries. As the first natural
number, it serves as a fundamental building block in
linguistics, philosophy, and cultural systems. From a
scientific standpoint, mathematician G.H. Hardy
described one as “the foundation of numerical identity,
a singularity that sets the stage for all subsequent
numerical understanding.” In cultural contexts, the
number takes on layers of meaning, emdiving unity,
leadership, beginnings, and divinity.
Number Two carries profound symbolic significance
across cultures, representing concepts of duality,
balance, partnership, and opposition. As the first even
number, it serves as a fundamental building block in
linguistics, philosophy, and cultural symbolism.
In English: The word “two” originates from the Old
English “twā” (feminine and neuter forms) and “twa”
(masculine), ultimately derived from the **Proto-Indo-
European root “dwóh₂” (two). It is one of the
foundational numbers in the English numeral system
and serves as a grammatical and conceptual base for
plurality. Georges Ifrah highlights how the shift from
singular to plural often begins with the recognition of
two as a distinct category.
In Uzbek: The Uzbek word for 2 is “ikki”, originating
from the Old Turkic “ikï” and tracing back to Proto
-
Turkic roots. Uzbek, like many Turkic languages, uses
“ikki” in both numerical and symbolic senses.
In linguistics, the number 2 represents the first and
simplest form of plurality
—
a step beyond singularity. It
introduces the concept of pairing, division, and
symmetry.
Duality and Opposites
In English culture, the number 2 often represents
contrast, conflict, or partnership. Phrases like “Two
sides of the same coin” or “It takes two to tango”
emphasize the necessity of balance and cooperation.
Additionally, duality appears in classic philosophical
oppositions such as:
•
Good vs. Evil
•
Light vs. Dark
•
Yin vs. Yang
In Uzbek culture, duality also plays a significant role,
often symbolizing balance and harmony. In Islamic
philosophy, which influences Uzbek cultural values, the
world is viewed as a balance between material and
spiritual realms, life and afterlife, day and night. The
Uzbek saying, “Yaxshi
-
yomon qo‘shilib hayot bo‘ladi”
(Good and bad together make life), reflects this
balance. Dr. Otabek Ismoilov, a cultural historian,
emphasizes: “In Uzbek tradition, the number 2 is seen
as a symbol of harmony
—
man and woman, sky and
earth, day and night
—all existing in delicate balance.”
Partnership and Cooperation
In English culture, partnerships and pairs are
symbolized by the number 2. Examples include:
•
Marriage: The union of two individuals.
•
Friendship: “Two peas in a pod” signifies strong
companionship.
•
Balance: The scales of justice are often
depicted with two sides.
In Uzbek culture, partnership and harmony are also
deeply embedded. Marriage is considered one of the
most sacred partnerships, and the saying “Ikki qo‘l bir
boshni yuvadi” (Two hands wash one head) highlights
the importance of cooperation and mutual support.
Family roles also emphasize pairs, such as parents (ona
va ota), who are seen as two complementary pillars of
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a household.
Symbolism in Religion and Spirituality
In Christianity, the number 2 is associated with
concepts such as: The dual nature of Christ (divine and
human), The Old Testament and the New Testament.
In Islam, which greatly influences Uzbek culture, the
number 2 holds significant spiritual meaning: Fajr (early
morning) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers mark the
duality of day and night. The Quran emphasizes the
pairing of creation: “And We created ev
erything in
pairs, so that you may reflect” (Surah Az
-Zariyat,
51:49). This dualism reflects a divine order in creation
and human existence.
Proverbs and Idioms
English Idioms: “Two heads are better than one” –
Emphasizes cooperation and teamwork,“It takes two to
tango”–
Highlights the necessity of mutual effort.
“Caught between two stools” –
Indicates indecision or
being stuck between choices.
Uzbek Proverbs:“Ikki qo‘l bir boshni yuvadi.” (Two
hands wash one head.)
–
Cooperation leads to success,
“Ikki eshakning ustidan chiqqan o‘tni yemang.” (Don’t
eat the grass grown between two donkeys.)
–
Avoid
getting caught in indecision. “Ikki karra ikki to‘rt.” (Two
times two is four.)
–
Represents clarity and undeniable
truth.
From both scientific and cultural perspectives, the
number 2 universally symbolizes contrast, cooperation,
and balance. In English culture, the number 2
frequently signifies partnership, opposition, and
decision-making, while in Uzbek culture, it emphasizes
balance, harmony, and unity within opposites.
Number Three: The number 3 carries deep linguistic,
cultural, and pragmatic significance across languages
and societies. Its repeated presence in language,
storytelling, proverbs, and social constructs reflects its
universal appeal and functionality. Below, we explore
the pragmatic usage of "3" in different linguistic
contexts, emphasizing how it conveys meaning,
structure, and emphasis in communication. In English
Culture: Three is often seen as a complete set (e.g.,
“third time‘s the charm”). It appears in fairy tales (e.g.,
“Three Little Pigs”) and religious contexts (e.g., the Holy
Trinity). Uzbek Culture: three carries spiritual
significance, appearing in proverbs and traditional
practices,
often
symbolizing
balance
and
completeness: “Uch og‘iz so‘zning boshida —
tinchlik.”
Number Four: Stability and Order English Culture: The
number 4 symbolizes stability, as seen in four seasons
or four cardinal d
irections.“Four corners of the earth.”
(Representing all directions). “On all fours.” (Balanced
or crawling posture).
Uzbek Culture: To’rt is associated with structure and
completeness in Uzbek traditions, often connected to
physical and spiritual stability. Both English and Uzbek
cultures feature idioms and proverbs using the number
4, often to symbolize stability or universality:“To‘rt
qadam bosmasang, manzilga yetmaysan.” (If you don’t
take four steps, you won’t reach your destination).
“To‘rt ko‘z bo‘lib gaplashmoq.” (To speak one
-on-one
in confidence). Mieder explains how numbers in
proverbs are not random but culturally meaningful,
with four symbolizing completeness or structure.
Number Five: The number five holds a special place in
linguistics, cultural expressions, symbolism, and
communication systems across many societies. It is
often associated with balance, harmony, human
experience, and natural order due to its presence in
human anatomy, nature, and cultural practices. Below,
we delve into the linguistic and cultural aspects of the
number five with insights from scholars and examples
from different languages. The number 5 often serves as
a structural tool in linguistic and cultural expressions:
Five senses: Sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell. Five
vowels in the English alphabet: A, E, I, O, U. Uzbek
Example: “Besh ustunli jamiyat” (Five
-pillar society).
Protection and Harmony
•
English Culture: The number 5 appears in
expressions like "high five" and symbolizes balance
(e.g., five senses).
•
Uzbek Culture: Besh (5) holds cultural
importance, often linked with protection (e.g., amulets
and talismans).
Number Six. The number 6 carries rich linguistic,
cultural, and symbolic meanings across languages and
societies. Often associated with harmony, balance,
family, and completeness, the number six holds a
unique position in numerology, religious symbolism,
and linguistic expressions. Lévi-Strauss emphasizes
how numbers like six often shape human perception of
order and natural harmony. The number six frequently
serves as a structural marker in language and cultural
systems: Six Days of Creation (Judeo-Christian
tradition): According to the Bible, God created the
world in six days. Hexagon (Six sides): Found in natural
structures like honeycombs. Uzbek Example: Olti
tomon
(Six
directions
—
symbolizing
comprehensiveness in space). Idioms and proverbs
often
incorporate
6
to
symbolize
balance,
completeness, or routine: English Idioms: “Six of one,
half a dozen of the other.” (Equivalent options, no
difference
.) “Hit for six.” (A cricket term symbolizing
something impactful or shocking.) Uzbek Proverbs:
“Olti oy qor, olti oy yor.” (Six months snow, six months
light
—
symbolizing seasonal cycles.) “Olti burchakli
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
dunyo.” (A six
-cornered world
—
a metaphor for
complexity or completeness.)
Imperfection and Work
English Culture: The number 6 can represent
imperfection (e.g., the biblical number 666). It also
represents hard work and diligence.
Uzbek Culture: Olti (6) is associated with completeness
in work and responsibility.
Number Seven: The number seven is one of the most
culturally significant and linguistically rich numbers
across various languages and societies. It is often
associated with spirituality, perfection, luck, and
completeness in both linguistic and cultural contexts.
Below, we delve into the linguistic, cultural, and
symbolic meanings of the number seven, drawing
insights from scholars and linguistic traditions across
languages.
Claude
Lévi-Strauss
(Structural
Anthropology): Lévi-Strauss identifies seven as a
symbolic number used to create balance and structure
in cultural rituals and mythologies.
Luck and Spirituality
English Culture: Seven is considered a lucky number,
seen in expressions like “seventh heaven” and
culturally significant in religious texts. The number 7 is
commonly used in cultural systems, categorization, and
organizational structures: Days of the Week: Most
modern calendar systems, including the Gregorian
calendar, are based on 7 days. Seven Colors of the
Rainbow: Represents completeness and harmony in
nature. Seven Chakras (in Hindu and Buddhist
traditions) symbolize energy centers in the human
div. Uzbek Culture: Yetti (7) carries spiritual meaning,
frequently appearing in folklore and religious stories.
Yetti ulug‘ inson (Seven
great people
—
a reference to
important figures in Islamic history).
Number Eight. In its geometric form, the number 8
resembles the infinity symbol (∞), representing
endlessness and eternal cycles. In many traditions, the
infinity symbol signifies concepts that transcend
physical limitations, such as time, life cycles, and the
universe itself. English Culture: The number 8 is linked
to infinity (the shape of its symbol) and prosperity.
Uzbek Culture: Sakkiz (8) symbolizes abundance and
continuity.
The number eight holds significant symbolic, cultural,
and linguistic meanings across various societies. Its
representation spans across diverse fields, including
religion, mathematics, literature, and daily life. Below,
we examine the symbolic and linguistic aspects of the
number eight, including insights from scholars and
examples from different cultural contexts, focusing on
English and Uzbek perspectives.
Christianity
In Christian symbolism, eight represents resurrection
and new beginnings. For example, the eight beatitudes
in the Gospel of Matthew speak of spiritual fulfillment
and blessings. Georges Ifrah (The Universal History of
Numbers, 2000): Ifrah observes that eight is historically
significant in numerology and ancient cultures due to
its association with cosmic order and infinite cycles.
The number Nine holds a distinctive symbolic, cultural,
and linguistic significance across various cultures and
societies. From mathematics to spirituality, folklore,
and art, the number nine carries meanings of
completion, wholeness, and divine connection. Below,
we explore the linguistic, cultural, and symbolic roles of
the number nine, with particular focus on English and
Uzbek cultures.
Wisdom and Fulfillment
English Culture: The number nine represents wisdom
and completion (e.g., nine lives of a cat). Uzbek Culture:
To‘qqiz (9) is associated with wisdom and spiritual
fulfillment.
Number Ten. The number ten is widely regarded as one
of the most significant numbers across various cultures
and fields, including mathematics, religion, language,
and symbolism. It often represents completeness,
perfection, and the highest form of achievement.
Completion and Perfection
In many cultures, the number ten represents
completeness or wholeness, as it is the base of the
decimal system, which forms the foundation of modern
arithmetic and counting. It is often seen as the perfect
number due to its association with balance and
universality. The number ten is considered sacred in
various religious and spiritual traditions. In Judaism and
Christianity, the Ten Commandments represent the
fundamental moral law governing human behavior,
marking the number ten as a symbol of divine order. In
English-speaking cultures, the number ten is often
associated with completeness and the highest level of
achievement. For example, a perfect score on a test is
often a “ten out of ten”, symbolizing total success or
perfection. Perfection and Wholeness: In Uzbek
culture, the number ten also signifies perfection and
completion, reflecting its mathematical and cultural
roles in counting systems and rankings. Like in English-
speaking cultures, ten is closely linked to ideas of
excellence and completion in Uzbek proverbs and
sayings. “A stitch in time saves nine.” (Taking timely
action prevents future problems, emphasizing the
importance of completing tasks at the right time to
achieve perfection.) “Possession is nine
-tenths of the
law.”
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(Having control or ownership over something is almost
the same as having complete legal rights, showing the
value of
completing what you claim.) “To be on cloud
nine.”
(A state of ultimate happiness or near perfection,
implying a sense of fulfillment and completion.) “Nine
women can’t make a baby in one month.”
(Certain processes, like perfection or completion, take
time and cannot be rushed.)
It signifies ideal performance or achieving the highest
standard. In Uzbek Culture: “O‘n qadam tashla, yuzga
yet.” (Take ten steps, and you will reach a hundred.)
This saying reflects effort, growth, and the idea that ten
steps toward a goal can result in significant success,
symbolizing progress and achievement. “To‘qqiz o‘ylab,
bir kes.”
(Mukammal va to‘liq natijaga erishish uchun bir ishni
bajarishdan oldin ko‘p marta o‘ylash kerak.). “To‘qqiz
tog‘ni aylanib, biriga chiq.”
(Muka
mmallikka va to‘liq muvaffaqiyatga erishish
uchun sabr-toqat va mashaqqat bilan harakat qilish
lozim.). “To‘qqiz marta yiqil, o‘n marta tur.”
(Qanchalik qiyinchilik bo‘lsa ham, mukammal natijaga
erishish uchun kurash va qat'iyat zarur.). “To‘qqiz
ariqdan s
uv keltir.”
(Maqsadga to‘liq erishish va mukammallikka yetishish
uchun har qanday manbani ishga solish kerak.). Seyyed
Hossein Nasr (Islamic Art and Spirituality, 1987): Nasr
describes how the number 10 in Islamic contexts is also
revered as a symbol of spiritual completeness and
moral perfection, reflecting its influence on Central
Asian cultures, including Uzbekistan. English: The word
“
ten
”
in English comes from Old English ten, derived
from Proto-Germanic tehun, and Proto-Indo-European
déḱm̥
t. Uzbek: The word for 10 in Uzbek is o
‘
n, which
shares linguistic roots with Turkic languages, and is
used widely in counting and measuring. David Crystal
(The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language): Crystal
notes that the number 10 plays a significant role in
language, particularly in its lexical forms and the
universal recognition of ten fingers, which forms the
basis of counting systems in many cultures. In Western
Cultures: The number ten is commonly used in rankings
and lists to represent the highest achievements in
various domains, from entertainment to sports and
beyond. Examples include the Top 10 Movies, Top 10
Books, and Top 10 Songs, where items ranked number
ten signify notable excellence.
The Decimal System: The number ten is foundational in
the decimal system, used universally for arithmetic,
counting, and measurements in everyday life. The “Top
10” ranking system is also used to evaluate
performances, such as in sports, where athletes and
teams are ranked based on their performance and
success. Symbol of Success and Achievement: In Uzbek
culture, the number ten is often used to refer to the
highest standard in various domains, such as education,
athletics, and spiritual achievement. Traditional
Measurements: The number ten is used in
measurements, such as in traditional counting systems
and even in money (such as 10 so‘m, a unit of Uzbek
currency), symbolizing economic prosperity and
efficiency. Example from Uzbek Culture: “O‘n yildan o‘n
ming so‘z.” (Ten years bring ten thousand words.) This
proverb suggests that time and effort lead to great
outcomes, indicating the value and richness that the
number ten signifies.
CONCLUSION
The cultural aspects of numbers in English and Uzbek
languages highlight the intricate interplay between
language, tradition, and worldview. Numbers, beyond
their quantitative value, carry rich symbolic meanings
influenced by historical, religious, and cultural
contexts. In English, numbers often reflect Western
cultural and religious traditions, with notable
references in literature, idioms, and folklore. Similarly,
in Uzbek, numbers are deeply rooted in Islamic
traditions and Central Asian heritage, serving as a lens
through which societal values and beliefs are
expressed. Despite the differences in their cultural
backgrounds, both languages share commonalities in
attributing symbolic meanings to numbers, such as the
notions of luck, completeness, and harmony. These
parallels underscore the universal human tendency to
assign meaning to abstract concepts, while the
differences reflect the unique cultural identities of the
two linguistic communities. Studying the cultural
aspects of numbers enriches our understanding of how
languages encode cultural knowledge and underscores
the significance of cultural awareness in cross-linguistic
studies. This exploration not only sheds light on the
linguistic features of English and Uzbek but also fosters
appreciation for the diversity and commonality in
human cultural expressions.
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