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PAREMIOLOGICAL UNITS FORMED IN THE LEXICON OF APHORISMS AND
ISSUES OF THEIR TRANSLATION
Jumaniyazova Nasiba Kerimbay kizi
Urganch Ranch Technology University
ABSTRACT:
This article investigates paremiological units derived from the lexicon of
aphorisms and examines the challenges involved in their translation across languages, with
particular attention to English–Uzbek language pairs. Aphorisms, as concise and often
metaphorical expressions of universal truths or philosophical reflections, possess distinctive
linguistic and cultural features that complicate direct translation. The study identifies structural,
semantic, and pragmatic aspects of aphorism-based paremiological units and analyzes how
cultural specificity, figurative language, and stylistic economy influence their interpretation in
the target language. Comparative and descriptive methods are applied to explore translation
strategies that maintain both semantic fidelity and rhetorical effect. The findings underscore the
need for creative adaptation and culturally informed decision-making to preserve the intended
impact of aphorisms in translation.
Keywords
: paremiological units, aphorisms, translation strategies, cultural adaptation, figurative
language, rhetorical effect, linguistic economy.
INTRODUCTION
Paremiological units are fixed expressions that carry collective cultural knowledge, often
functioning as carriers of moral, philosophical, or practical wisdom. Among these, aphorism-
based units represent a distinct category, notable for their brevity, stylistic precision, and
universal appeal. Aphorisms encapsulate complex ideas in a condensed form, relying heavily on
figurative language, rhetorical devices, and conceptual metaphors. Their linguistic economy
allows them to transcend specific contexts, yet their interpretation is often shaped by cultural,
historical, and philosophical traditions. The process of translating aphorism-based
paremiological units presents a unique set of challenges for translators. The succinct nature of
aphorisms means that even minor lexical or syntactic shifts can significantly alter their meaning
or diminish their stylistic force. Moreover, aphorisms frequently employ wordplay, allusion, and
culturally bound imagery that may not have direct equivalents in the target language. Literal
translation may preserve the form but lose the intended impact, while over-adaptation risks
distorting the author’s message. In the context of English–Uzbek translation, these difficulties
are further compounded by differences in rhetorical norms, idiomatic usage, and cultural
frameworks. For example, aphorisms originating from Western philosophical or literary
traditions may include references or conceptual metaphors unfamiliar to Uzbek audiences,
requiring not only linguistic but also cultural mediation. This study aims to analyze the linguistic
and cultural features of aphorism-based paremiological units and to identify translation strategies
that ensure both semantic accuracy and pragmatic effect. Drawing on comparative and
descriptive analysis, the research will examine authentic examples, evaluate the effectiveness of
various translation approaches, and provide recommendations for translators working with
culturally rich, highly condensed forms of expression. In doing so, it contributes to the fields of
paremiology, translation studies, and intercultural communication, emphasizing the importance
of preserving both meaning and rhetorical elegance in cross-linguistic transfer.
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MAIN BODY
1. Linguistic features of aphorism-based paremiological units
Aphorism-based paremiological units are characterized by brevity, semantic density, and stylistic
refinement. They often employ:
Metaphorical constructions
– using symbolic language to express abstract concepts (e.g.,
“Time is the wisest counselor”).
Antithesis and contrast
– presenting opposing ideas to highlight philosophical insight (e.g.,
“Less is more”).
Parallelism
– balancing structural patterns for rhythmic and rhetorical effect.
Ellipsis and omission
– creating interpretive depth by leaving meaning partially unstated.
The compactness of aphorisms demands careful lexical selection, where every word contributes
to the overall effect. This precision makes translation particularly sensitive to semantic shifts.
2. Cultural context and interpretation
Aphorisms, while often expressing universal ideas, are embedded in the cultural and historical
environment of their origin. English aphorisms may reflect:
Philosophical traditions from antiquity to modern thought.
Religious or moral frameworks rooted in Western culture.
Idiomatic expressions and conceptual metaphors unique to English.
For instance, the aphorism “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” conveys a pragmatic principle
of risk diversification. In a literal translation into Uzbek, the imagery may remain clear, but the
idiomatic resonance may differ depending on the audience’s familiarity with the metaphor. Some
aphorisms derive their force from intertextual references to literature, politics, or historical
figures, which may require explanatory adaptation in translation.
3. Challenges in translating aphorism-based units into uzbek
Translating aphorisms involves navigating several difficulties:
Semantic compression
– the compact nature of aphorisms leaves little room for explanatory
additions without altering the tone.
Cultural specificity
– references may lack direct equivalents in the target culture.
Rhetorical form
– preserving rhyme, rhythm, or syntactic symmetry can be challenging.
Polysemy and ambiguity
– multiple possible interpretations must be maintained without
over-clarification.
For example, the aphorism “The proof of the pudding is in the eating” does not literally refer to
pudding; its meaning is that the value of something is shown by experience. Translating it
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directly into Uzbek would require either an equivalent proverb (“Ishning natijasi amalda
bilinadi”) or a functional adaptation that preserves the message.
4. Translation strategies
To address these challenges, translators may apply:
Literal translation
– used when the imagery is clear and culturally transferable.
Functional equivalence
– replacing the aphorism with an existing proverb or saying in the
target language that conveys the same meaning.
Cultural substitution
– adapting the reference to a concept familiar to the target audience.
Creative reconstruction
– crafting a new expression that mirrors the original’s style and
effect.
For example, “A stitch in time saves nine” can be rendered literally in Uzbek (“O‘z vaqtida
tikkan tikuv to‘qqizini saqlaydi”) or replaced with a culturally closer equivalent (“Kasallikdan
ko‘ra oldini olgan yaxshi”) depending on the communicative purpose.
5. Implications for translation studies
Studying aphorism-based paremiological units enhances our understanding of the interplay
between language, culture, and thought. Translators must approach such units not only as
linguistic structures but also as cultural artifacts, requiring sensitivity to form, function, and
audience perception. This aligns with the broader goals of translation studies, which seek to
bridge linguistic boundaries while preserving the aesthetic and cognitive value of the source text.
CONCLUSION
The study of aphorism-based paremiological units reveals that these expressions occupy a
unique space in the linguistic and cultural landscape. They distill complex ideas into concise,
memorable forms, relying on metaphor, antithesis, and rhetorical symmetry to achieve maximum
impact with minimal linguistic material. This semantic and stylistic density, while central to their
communicative power, creates significant challenges for translation, particularly between
languages with different rhetorical traditions and cultural reference systems, such as English and
Uzbek. The research has shown that literal translation, though sometimes possible, often fails to
fully capture the figurative and cultural nuances embedded in aphorisms. Functional equivalence,
cultural substitution, and creative reconstruction emerge as more effective strategies in ensuring
that both meaning and stylistic effect are preserved. The choice of strategy must be context-
dependent, guided by the translator’s understanding of the source culture, target audience, and
communicative purpose. In translating aphorisms, the translator becomes not only a linguistic
mediator but also a cultural interpreter, responsible for maintaining the balance between fidelity
to the source text and resonance in the target culture. Successful translation requires linguistic
competence, cultural literacy, and a high degree of creativity.
Future research could expand this investigation by conducting empirical reception studies to
determine how translated aphorisms are perceived by different audiences, or by exploring digital
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tools and corpus-based approaches for identifying equivalent expressions. By continuing to
examine the translation of aphorism-based paremiological units, scholars can contribute to
improving translation practices, preserving the expressive richness of these forms, and promoting
deeper intercultural understanding.
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