International Journal Of Literature And Languages
100
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue03 2025
PAGE NO.
100-102
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue03-26
The peculiarities of Uzbek medical terminology:
historical roots, modern trends and linguistic features
Rozanna M. Abdullaeva
Professor (DSc), Tashkent Medical Academy, Uzbekistan
Received:
24 January 2025;
Accepted:
23 February 2025;
Published:
25 March 3025
Abstract:
This article examines the development of Uzbek medical terminology, highlighting its historical roots,
linguistic transformations, and contemporary adaptations. The paper explores the interplay of Arabic, Persian,
Russian, and English influences while analyzing the structural and semantic characteristics of Uzbek medical
vocabulary. Additionally, the study addresses the implications of terminology development for cultural identity
and public health literacy. By integrating insights from various linguistic and medical disciplines, this research
contributes to a deeper understanding of how language shapes medical knowledge and professional
communication in Uzbekistan.
Keywords:
Medical Terminology, Historical Roots, Linguistic Transformations.
Introduction:
Medical terminology is a fundamental
component of any healthcare system, enabling precise
and standardized communication among professionals.
However, it is not merely a technical lexicon; it reflects
the historical, cultural, and scientific development of a
society. Uzbek medical terminology, shaped over
centuries, presents a rich tapestry woven from
indigenous linguistic traditions and external influences.
Understanding its evolution offers valuable insights
into the historical pathways of medical knowledge
dissemination and the adaptation of global scientific
advancements
within
Uzbekistan’s
lingu
istic
framework.
The formation of Uzbek medical terminology can be
traced back to the early centers of science and
medicine in Central Asia. Scholars such as Avicenna (Ibn
Sina), Al-Biruni, and Al-Khorazmi played a pivotal role in
shaping medical thought in the region. Their works,
primarily written in Arabic and Persian, introduced
foundational medical concepts that were later
assimilated into Uzbek.
Arabic, as the dominant language of science and
religion in medieval Islamic civilization, significantly
contributed to Uzbek medical vocabulary. Words such
as tib (medicine), shifo (healing), and dori (drug)
illustrate this influence. Similarly, Persian enriched
Uzbek medical terminology, particularly in areas
related to diagnosis and treatment.
With the establishment of Soviet rule in the 20th
century, Russian became the primary source of medical
terminology in Uzbekistan. The Soviet healthcare
system introduced an extensive range of terms, many
of which were directly borrowed and phonetically
adapted into Uzbek, such as xirurgiya (surgery),
terapiya (therapy), and diagnoz (diagnosis). While
these borrowings facilitated integration into the Soviet
medical framework, they also contributed to linguistic
hybridization, blending Slavic and Turkic linguistic
elements.
A term is a lexical word or phrase that designates a
concept in scientific and practical activities, performing
a nominative function. As an element of the lexical
system of the language of science, a term represents
signs of a different semiotic nature, whose foundation
is the "one-to-one correspondence between the sign
and the signified." This characteristic "regulates the
properties of the linguistic sign, making it a term." In
other words, "a term is not a special word, but a word
in a special function," with this function being
understood as the nominative function of the term.
A term has three levels:
1.
Semantic features
—
manifested in the
definition of the boundaries of the concept being
denoted.
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
2.
Morphological-syntactic features
—
related to
the structural characteristics of the term.
3.
Pragmatic features
—
evident in its use in
speech.
Unlike the terminology of other branches of natural
sciences,
medical
terminology
has
distinctive
characteristics:
1.
The core of medical terminology
—
including in
the Uzbek language
—
consists of borrowed terms from
Greek, Latin, Russian and English.
2.
Medical terminology is based on international
terms, predominantly of Latin origin.
3.
Medical terms have a high degree of
motivation and are semantically transparent, making
them easier to understand and interpret.
4.
The expansion of medical terminology occurs
through eponymous terms (eponym, from Greek
epōnymos—
"giving a name, lending one's name to
something").
Medical terms, which play a crucial role in shaping the
linguistic worldview and possess high informational
value, present significant challenges for learning
Russian in groups with a multi-ethnic composition.
Mastering medical terminology requires:
1.
Knowledge of the extralinguistic (conceptual)
essence of the term, which forms its content level.
2.
Understanding
the
linguistic
normative
characteristics of the term, which relate to the rules of
its use in speech activities (in texts and communication
situations).
This complex interplay of semantic, structural, and
functional aspects highlights the unique nature of
medical terminology as a linguistic and cognitive
phenomenon.
Uzbek medical terminology exhibits several distinct
linguistic features that contribute to its adaptability
and richness:
1.
Morphological Adaptation: Uzbek actively
utilizes suffixes and affixes to modify and create
medical terms:
o
Suffix -ma: isitma (fever), toshma (rash)
o
Suffix -shish (-yish): tirishish (convulsion),
torayish (stenosis)
o
Compound suffixes: shishasimon tana (vitreous
div), nuxatsimon (pea-shaped)
2.
Lexical Borrowing and Integration: Borrowings
from Arabic, Persian, Russian, and English are
systematically adapted to Uzbek phonetics and
morphology. For instance, kompyuterli tomografiya
(computed tomography) and immunitet (immunity)
reflect contemporary scientific terminology while
maintaining linguistic coherence.
3.
Compound Word Formation: Complex medical
terms are often constructed through compounding,
enabling precise descriptions. Examples include yurak-
qon tizimi (cardiovascular system) and tish kasalliklari
(dental diseases).
4.
Semantic and Cultural Nuances: Many Uzbek
medical terms emdiv metaphorical meanings rooted
in cultural perceptions of health. Qon (blood) is
metaphorically linked to life force, while yurak (heart)
symbolizes emotions and courage.
Since Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, linguistic
policies have prioritized the development of Uzbek as
the national language. This shift has influenced medical
terminology, fostering the translation of foreign-
derived terms into Uzbek equivalents. For instance,
allergiya (allergy) is increasingly rendered as allergik
reaksiya.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The
widespread use of Russian and English in medical
education and practice creates a linguistic divide,
potentially limiting accessibility for Uzbek-speaking
patients. Additionally, the rapid influx of English
medical terminology necessitates a systematic
approach to localization and standardization to prevent
inconsistencies in medical communication.
A comparative examination of Uzbek medical
terminology with other languages reveals unique
patterns
of
adaptation.
While
Latin-based
terminologies dominate in many European languages,
Uzbek retains a strong tradition of using native roots
alongside borrowed terms. For example:
Latin
Russian
Uzbek
hernia
грыжа
churra
hiatus
отверстие
teshik
ginaecophobia
гинекофобия
Хotinlardan qo‘rqish
lacrimalis
слезный
Ko‘z yoshiga oid
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
glaucoma
глаукома
Ko‘k suv
surditas
глухота
karlik
abscessus
гнойник
Ho‘ppoz
crus
голень
boldir
fames
голод
ochlik
gibbus
горб
bukri
hordeolum
ячмень
Govmichcha
fungu
грибки
Zamburug‘lar
These adaptations illustrate how linguistic and cultural
factors influence medical vocabulary formation.
The continued development of Uzbek medical
terminology will depend on several key factors:
•
Standardization Efforts: Establishing official
Uzbek equivalents for medical terms will enhance
clarity and consistency in medical education and
practice.
•
Integration of Digital Tools: The use of digital
translation tools and medical glossaries can facilitate
accessibility for healthcare professionals and the
general public.
•
Educational Reforms: Encouraging medical
instruction in Uzbek while maintaining multilingual
competence in Russian and English will ensure effective
communication in international medical contexts.
•
Cultural Preservation: Balancing linguistic
modernization with the preservation of traditional
medical terminology will help maintain national
identity while embracing global advancements.
CONCLUSION
Uzbek medical terminology represents a dynamic and
evolving linguistic phenomenon that reflects the
historical, cultural, and scientific heritage of
Uzbekistan. Its hybrid nature, shaped by multiple
linguistic influences, ensures both adaptability and
continuity in medical communication. As Uzbekistan
continues to modernize its healthcare and linguistic
policies, the development of medical terminology will
play a crucial role in improving public health literacy
and reinforcing cultural identity. Future efforts should
focus on standardization, digital integration, and
educational reform to ensure that Uzbek medical
terminology remains both scientifically relevant and
linguistically sustainable.
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