International Journal Of Literature And Languages
102
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue04 2025
PAGE NO.
102-107
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue04-27
Loanwords and Calques in Uzbek Philosophical
Terminology: Influence of Arabic, Persian, And Russian
Boynazarov Islom
Doctorate degree student of the Termez State University, Uzbekistan
Received:
28 February 2025;
Accepted:
29 March 2025;
Published:
30 April 2025
Abstract:
The Uzbek language, shaped by centuries of historical contact and cultural exchange, offers a rich field
for exploring the intersection of language and philosophy. As a dynamic and evolving linguistic system, Uzbek has
absorbed numerous loanwords and calques
—
notably from Arabic, Persian, Russian, and English
—
each marking a
distinct phase in its socio-cultural development. This study investigates how such borrowings have not only
expanded the philosophical lexicon of Uzbek but also reflect deeper patterns of cultural interaction, linguistic
adaptation, and historical transformation.
Keywords:
Philosophical terminology, uzbek terminology, etymology of uzbek philosophical terms, calques.
Introduction:
The Uzbek language, with its deep
historical roots and dynamic socio-cultural evolution,
offers a compelling lens through which to explore the
intricate interplay between language and philosophy.
This work investigates how Uzbek has assimilated a
diverse array of loanwords and calques
—
primarily
from Arabic, Persian, Russian, and, more recently,
English
—
and examines how these linguistic elements
have enriched its philosophical lexicon. By tracing the
routes of lexical borrowing from religious, cultural, and
technical domains, this study not only sheds light on
the natural evolution of the Uzbek language but also
highlights the enduring influence of external
intellectual traditions on Uzbek philosophical
discourse.
At its core, the research underscores the significance of
linguistic adaptation as both a mechanism for cultural
exchange and a mirror of historical processes. The
assimilation of Arabic terms during the Islamization of
Central Asia, for instance, provided a foundational
vocabulary for religious and philosophical thought,
while Persian contributions infused the language with
a poetic and culturally nuanced dimension. The
extensive adoption of Russian terminology during the
Soviet era further illustrates how shifts in political
power and modernization imperatives can reshape a
language’s expressive capacity. Additionally, the
strategic creation of calques has enabled Uzbek
speakers to internalize and adapt modern concepts,
ensuring that the language remains both relevant and
uniquely resonant in a globalized world.
This exploration is pivotal for both linguists and
philosophers. For linguists, it presents a multifaceted
case study of language contact, lexical diffusion, and
morphological adaptation, offering insights into the
processes that govern linguistic change. For
philosophers, the work illuminates how language
functions as a repository and conduit for abstract ideas,
providing a richer understanding of how philosophical
concepts are communicated and transformed through
cultural exchange. In essence, this study not only
documents a significant aspect of Uzbek linguistic
heritage but also contributes to broader discussions on
the evolution of language in response to both historical
forces and contemporary challenges.
METHOD
The Uzbek language, shaped by a history of territorial,
cultural, and religious contact, contains a rich stratum
of borrowed vocabulary
—
particularly from Arabic,
Persian, Russian, and more recently, English.
Loanwords, as observed by Davlyatova and Kholmatova
(2022), have long served as a natural mechanism for
enriching the Uzbek lexicon, often accompanying the
introduction of new objects, practices, and abstract
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
concepts. Arabicisms notably entered the language
during the Islamization of Central Asia, embedding
themselves
in
religious,
philosophical,
and
administrative discourse. These terms, such as falsafa
(philosophy), ilm (science), and jannat (paradise),
became deeply integrated into the linguistic and
intellectual fabric of Uzbek society.
Unlike Arabic borrowings
—
typically introduced via
literary and religious texts
—
Persian words often
entered through direct trade and daily interaction,
resulting in a blend of poetic, domestic, and material
cultural vocabulary. Russian influences, meanwhile,
became prominent during the Soviet period, especially
in scientific, technical, and administrative terminology.
While many of these loanwords were initially resisted
or replaced during post-independence language
reforms, they remain integral to modern Uzbek
philosophical and academic discourse. The adaptation
process involves morphophonological assimilation,
semantic narrowing or expansion, and, at times, the
creation of calques
—
translated equivalents modeled
on the structure of the donor language.
In their study, Mukhammadiev and Mukhammadieva
(2022) examine the incorporation of English loanwords
into the Uzbek language, highlighting the influence of
globalization and technological advancement. They
analyze
the
phonological
and
morphological
adaptations these loanwords undergo to conform to
Uzbek linguistic norms. The authors also discuss the
sociolinguistic factors driving the adoption of English
vocabulary, such as media exposure, educational
exchanges, and international communication. This
research provides valuable insights into the dynamic
evolution of the Uzbek lexicon in response to external
linguistic influences.
Nurmuhamedova (2024) conducts a comparative
analysis of loanwords in Russian and Uzbek, focusing on
their historical development and the sociolinguistic
factors influencing lexical borrowing. The study
highlights that both languages have incorporated
foreign terms to fill lexical gaps, particularly in areas
such as technology, governance, and culture. Russian
has assimilated words from languages like French,
German, and English, while Uzbek has integrated terms
from Arabic, Persian, Russian, and more recently,
English. The research underscores the role of historical
events, such as colonization and globalization, in
shaping the lexicons of both languages. Additionally, it
examines the phonological and morphological
adaptations that borrowed words undergo to conform
to the linguistic norms of the recipient language.
In her article, Kholikova (2023) provides an in-depth
examination of how borrowed words from Persian-
Tajik, Arabic, and Russian entered and assimilated into
the Uzbek lexicon. One of the most significant factors
she identifies is the phenomenon of bilingualism, which
emerged as a result of historical contact and
cohabitation with speakers of these languages. The
author explains that such linguistic interaction did not
only involve territorial proximity but also mutual
influence and cooperation, which created the
sociolinguistic conditions necessary for lexical
transfer.
The paper details how borrowed words initially appear
as neologisms but gradually undergo phonetic,
morphological, and semantic adaptation, eventually
becoming indistinguishable from native words.
Examples include andisha, barg, shabnam (from
Persian), adabiyot, kitob, ustoz (from Arabic), and
gazeta, bank, televideniye (from Russian). Kholikova
emphasizes that foreign words often adapt so well that
their origin is no longer detectable without
etymological analysis.
The Uzbek language, according to the study, has
historically relied on both internal and external lexical
sources. While internal developments contribute to the
natural growth of vocabulary, the influence of external
sources
—
especially through social, cultural, and
political interactions
—
has significantly enriched it.
Today, borrowed words make up over 40% of the
Uzbek lexicon, with Russian-origin terms accounting for
approximately 26%. Kholikova concludes that lexical
borrowing is a natural and necessary aspect of linguistic
evolution, reflecting both historical realities and
contemporary needs.
In their study, Ergasheva and Rakhmatova (2023)
examine the complexities involved in translating
English loanwords into Uzbek. They highlight that the
increasing influx of English terms, particularly in fields
like technology, science, and culture, poses challenges
for accurate translation and assimilation. The authors
discuss issues such as semantic mismatches, lack of
equivalent terms, and the risk of misinterpretation.
They emphasize the importance of developing
standardized translation practices and enhancing
linguistic resources to facilitate the effective
integration of English loanwords into the Uzbek
language.
In her article, Haziyeva (2020) examines various
approaches to the phenomenon of terminological
borrowing via calquing, emphasizing its significance in
linguistic development. The study highlights that
calquing
—
translating foreign terms literally into the
native language
—
is a prevalent method for
incorporating new concepts, especially when direct
equivalents are absent. Haziyeva analyzes theoretical
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aspects of calquing and its relationship to translation
processes, noting that while calquing preserves
semantic integrity, it often sparks debate regarding its
classification as borrowing or translation. The article
also reviews differing scholarly opinions within
Azerbaijani linguistics, illustrating the complexity and
ongoing discourse surrounding calquing’s role in
language evolution.
In their study, Ergasheva and Rakhmatova (2023)
examine the complexities involved in translating
English loanwords into Uzbek. They highlight that the
increasing influx of English terms, particularly in fields
like technology, science, and culture, poses challenges
for accurate translation and assimilation. The authors
discuss issues such as semantic mismatches, lack of
equivalent terms, and the risk of misinterpretation.
They emphasize the importance of developing
standardized translation practices and enhancing
linguistic resources to facilitate the effective
integration of English loanwords into the Uzbek
language.
Statistical Overview and Linguistic Trends
A statistical analysis of the loanwords and calques in
Uzbek philosophical terminology reveals the following
trends:
Arabic Loanwords
: Historically dominant, these terms
form the foundation of Uzbek philosophical discourse,
especially in religious and intellectual contexts.
Persian Loanwords
: Reflecting the cultural and literary
heritage, these terms enrich the Uzbek language,
particularly in artistic and poetic expressions.
Russian Loanwords
: A significant influence during the
Soviet era, these terms are prevalent in technical,
scientific, and administrative domains.
English
Loanwords
:
Increasingly
prevalent
in
contemporary discourse, especially in technology,
business, and global communication.
Calques
: Demonstrating the adaptability of the Uzbek
language, calques are employed to express modern
concepts using native vocabulary.
This distribution underscores the historical layers of
linguistic influence in Uzbekistan and highlights the
ongoing evolution of its philosophical terminology.
Figure 1.
Language
Term
Original Word
Meaning
Arabic
Ilm
ملع
Knowledge
Hikmat
ةمكح
Wisdom
Falsafa
ةفسلف
Philosophy
Adabiyot
تايبدأ
Literature
Ilm-fan
ملع
-
نف
Science and Art
Iymon
ناميإ
Faith
Persian
Adab
بدا
Etiquette
Fikr
رکف
Thought
Doston
ناتساد
Story
She’r
رعش
Poetry
Rivojlanish
دشر
Development
Yordam
یراي
Help
Oila
هداوناخ
Family
Yigit
رسپ
Young man
Russian
Operatsiya
операция
Operation
Kompyuter
компьютер
Computer
Teatr
театр
Theater
Muzey
музей
Museum
Kino
кино
Cinema
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
Language
Term
Original Word
Meaning
Avtobus
автобус
Bus
Universitet
университет
University
Institut
институт
Institute
Laboratoriya
лаборатория
Laboratory
Calques
Ozini anglash
-
Self-realization
Boshqaruv tizimi
-
Management System
Ijtimoiy tarmoq
-
Social Network
Axborot texnologiyalari
-
Information Technologies
Note: The calques listed are translations of foreign terms into Uzbek, aiming to convey modern concepts
using native linguistic elements
.
Figure 2. The proportion of recorded terms based on their origin.
DISCUSSION
The evolution of Uzbek philosophical terminology
through the incorporation of loanwords and calques
from Arabic, Persian, Russian, and more recently,
English, reflects the dynamic interplay between
language, culture, and intellectual history. This
discussion delves into the comparative aspects of these
linguistic
elements,
examining
their
sources,
adaptation processes, and the socio-political contexts
that have influenced their integration into the Uzbek
lexicon.
The Arabic language has profoundly shaped Uzbek
philosophical terminology, particularly in religious,
legal, and intellectual domains. Terms such as
ilm’
(knowledge),
hikmat’
(wisdom),
and
falsafa’
(philosophy) are direct borrowings that have been
assimilated into Uzbek, often retaining their original
meanings and connotations. This influence is largely
attributed to the spread of Islam and the subsequent
Arabicization of Central Asian intellectual traditions.
Persian has contributed significantly to Uzbek’s literary
and artistic vocabulary. Words like adab (etiquette), fikr
(thought), and she’r (poetry) underscore the cultural
and literary ties between the regions. These
borrowings reflect the historical prominence of Persian
as a language of administration and culture in the
region.
During the Soviet era, Russian became the lingua franca
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
of administration, science, and education in
Uzbekistan. Consequently, numerous Russian terms
entered the Uzbek language, especially in technical,
scientific, and political contexts. Examples include
kompyuter (computer), institut (institute), and
laboratoriya (laboratory). These borrowings often
underwent
phonological
and
morphological
adaptations to fit Uzbek linguistic patterns.
In recent decades, English has emerged as a dominant
source of loanwords, particularly in the fields of
technology, business, and global communication.
Terms like internet, menejer (manager), and marketing
have been adopted, often with minimal modification.
This trend reflects Uzbekistan’s increasing integration
into the global economy and its efforts to modernize its
educational and technological infrastructures.
The integration of loanwords into Uzbek involves
various adaptation processes:
Phonological Adaptation
: Loanwords are adjusted to
fit the phonetic system of Uzbek. For instance, the
Russian kompyuter’ becomes kompyuter,’ with slight
modifications to align with Uzbek pronunciation norms.
Morphological Adaptation
: Some loanwords undergo
morphological changes to conform to Uzbek
grammatical structures. For example, the Persian fikr’
(thought) can combine with native Uzbek elements to
form terms like fikr yuritmoq’ (to think).
Semantic Shifts
: Loanwords may acquire new
meanings or nuances in the Uzbek context. The Arabic
ilm’ traditionally means knowledge,’ but in modern
usage, it can encompass scientific knowledge,
reflecting the evolving nature of Uzbek intellectual
discourse.
Calques, or loan translations, involve rendering foreign
concepts into native linguistic forms. In Uzbek
philosophical terminology, calques are employed to
express modern or foreign ideas using native
vocabulary. For instance:
O’zini anglash
(self-realization) is a calque of the
English term, constructed using Uzbek words to convey
the concept.
Axborot texnologiyalari
(information technologies)
translates the English term directly into Uzbek,
reflecting the global influence of technological
discourse.
The integration of loanwords and calques into Uzbek is
not merely a linguistic phenomenon but also a
reflection of socio-political and cultural dynamics:
Colonial and Post-Colonial Contexts
: The Russian
influence during the Soviet era led to the incorporation
of numerous Russian terms into Uzbek, particularly in
administrative and technical fields. This period marked
a significant shift in the linguistic landscape of
Uzbekistan.
Globalization and Modernization
: The recent influx of
English loanwords correspon
ds with Uzbekistan’s
efforts to modernize its economy and educational
systems. As the country engages more with global
markets and international institutions, English has
become a key source of new terminology.
Cultural Preservation: Despite the influx of foreign
terms, there is a concerted effort to preserve and
revitalize native Uzbek vocabulary. This is evident in the
creation of calques and the adaptation of foreign terms
to fit Uzbek linguistic structures.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the historical and cultural tapestry of
Uzbekistan has engendered a rich, layered linguistic
landscape wherein Arabic, Persian, Russian, and, more
recently, English have each left their mark. From Arabic
terms deeply rooted in religious and philosophical
discourse to Persian words that underscore poetic and
cultural traditions, and from Russian technical and
administrative borrowings to modern English
expressions that reflect globalization, this diverse
lexical heritage has shaped Uzbek philosophical
terminology in profound ways. The various studies
discussed illustrate that these loanwords undergo a
range
of
transformations
—
phonological,
morphological,
and
semantic
—
while
calques
demonstrate how the language preserves its native
identity by rendering foreign concepts into Uzbek.
Moreover, shifting socio-political contexts, from Soviet
influence to post-independence language reforms and
ongoing globalization, have all influenced the paths
along which foreign terms enter Uzbek usage.
Together,
these
adaptations,
whether
direct
borrowings
or
carefully
crafted
translations,
underscore the resilience and dynamism of Uzbek.
Ultimately, this interplay of internal and external
linguistic forces not only enhances the expressive
capacity of Uzbek philosophical discourse but also
mirrors the broader cultural and intellectual evolutions
that continue to shape the language today.
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