International scientific journal
“Interpretation and researches”
Volume 1 issue 6 (52) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2
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LINGUACULTURAL FEATURES OF PERIPHRASIS IN ENGLISH AND
UZBEK LANGUAGES
To‘lqinova Umida Abdusalomxo‘ja qizi
2nd year student of Master's degree, UzSWLU
Abstract:
This article examines the linguacultural features of periphrasis in
English and Uzbek languages. Both languages, belonging to different linguistic
families and cultural traditions, showcase periphrasis as a means of politeness,
indirectness, respect, and emotional coloring. By comparing English and Uzbek
periphrastic constructions, the study aims to highlight how cultural attitudes towards
communication — such as the importance of politeness strategies, indirectness, and
honorifics — shape linguistic forms.
Key words
: periphrasis, language, culture, comparative analysis, cross-cultural
communication.
Language is a dynamic and intricate system that serves as a primary medium for
human communication, shaping thought, culture, and social interactions. One of the
key stylistic and expressive tools within language is periphrasis, which plays a
significant role in both written and oral communication. Periphrasis is widely used in
literature, rhetoric, and everyday speech to enhance expressiveness, avoid repetition,
or provide euphemistic alternatives. At the same time, language and culture are
inseparable, each deeply influencing the other. Periphrasis often reflects a society’s
cultural norms, values, and ways of thinking. Thus, analyzing periphrastic
expressions from a linguacultural perspective provides valuable insights into how
different linguistic communities structure their communication. Understanding these
features not only enriches our knowledge of English and Uzbek linguistic systems but
also contributes to broader cross-cultural communication studies.
Periphrasis is a roundabout way of referring to something by means of several
words instead of naming it directly in a single word or phrase, for example, A special
type of stable combinations, known as periphrases, has long attracted the attention of
language researchers. In modern linguistics, there are several views on this linguistic
phenomenon. One point of view presupposes a broad understanding of periphrasis,
where the term is used for almost any descriptive turn that refers to something
indirectly. Proponents of a narrow approach, on the other hand, limit the composition
of periphrases by emphasizing the leading distinguishing feature of these expressions.
According to some researchers, the term periphrase (or periphrasis) is borrowed from
the French language. For instance, D. E. Rosenthal and M. A. Telenkova define
International scientific journal
“Interpretation and researches”
Volume 1 issue 6 (52) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2
164
periphrase as a descriptive turn, stating:
"An expression that is a descriptive transfer
of the meaning of another expression or word."
21
In addition, Uzbek linguist Q. Musayev defines periphrasis as a word-
combination that is used instead of the word designating an object. For example, in
the sentence
"My son...has been deprived of what can never be replaced,"
the
periphrasis
"what can never be replaced"
stands for the word
"mother."
The concept
of such renaming is easily understood by the reader within the given context, the
latter being the only code which makes the deciphering of the phrase possible. As
Musayev notes, as a result of frequent repetition, a periphrasis may become well
established in the language as a synonymous expression for the word generally used
to signify the object.
22
Periphrasis, as a stylistic device, plays a significant role in shaping the
expressive potential of language. It is closely intertwined with various other stylistic
devices, such as metaphor, metonymy, irony, and euphemism, as well as with
phraseological units. The study of periphrasis involves both semantic and stylistic
aspects, highlighting its role not only as a linguistic ornament but also as a culturally
marked phenomenon that varies across languages and societies. Periphrases in formal
everyday speech are a key part of culture. They show politeness and tradition.
However, just like in casual talk, they might confuse people from different
backgrounds. Being mindful of this is important when communication crosses
cultures. Understanding these cultural language details helps us value diverse
expressions better and encourages mutual understanding between cultures.
The close relationship between language and culture is emphasized by many
scholars. On the one hand, culture is a highly inclusive phenomenon that penetrates
into almost all aspects of human life, influencing languages profoundly. On the other
hand, language serves not only as a tool for communication and cognition but also as
a carrier of culture, through which cultural values, norms, and traditions are fixed,
stored, and transmitted across generations. Consequently, the investigation of the
relationship between language and culture holds paramount importance in modern
linguistics.
23
Given this intrinsic link between language and culture, it becomes
evident that periphrasis, as a linguistic phenomenon, is deeply rooted in the cultural
identity of a society, reflecting its values, traditions, and ways of social interaction
The development of formal periphrasis comes from many cultural and social
influences. It began with the courtly language of medieval Europe, where people used
indirect and polite expressions to maintain social hierarchies. As middle-class values
grew and politeness became more crucial in social interactions over time, this led to
21
Rozental’ D.E. Telenkova M.A,
Dictionary reference book of linguistic terms
. M. 1976
22
Musayev Q.
English stylistics
. - T.: Adolat, 2003.-p.119.
23
Ashurova D.U., Galieva M.R.
Cultural Linguistics
, Tashkenty, 2019 -204 pp.
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“Interpretation and researches”
Volume 1 issue 6 (52) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2
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further growth of formal periphrastic expressions. For example, in English-speaking
cultures, the use of indirect expressions such as
"I would appreciate it if..."
or
"Could
you possibly..."
became more common as a way to soften requests and avoid giving
direct orders.
24
In Uzbek culture periphrases have important roles that show the language’s
special history and societal values. The phrase “xafa bo’lmaysiz endi” translates to
“please don’t be offended” and is used to express respect and politeness. Periphrases
can also reveal social hierarchies in Uzbek society. For instance, “yordam berib
yubora olasizmi”, which means “do me a favor,” shows respect towards someone
with higher status. These uses of Uzbek periphrases demonstrate how language
reflects social norms and expectations over time. Moreover, linguist U. Ahmadova
highlights the significance of periphrases in Uzbek, stating that “periphrases are
essential for communicating cultural values and social conventions” and that they
“serve to convey politeness, formality, and respect
25
“. Sociolinguist Baxriddinovna,
K. A. also notes that “periphrases in Uzbek reflect the culture’s emphasis on respect,
hospitality, and social harmony
26
“. Experts stress the importance of periphrases in
Uzbek culture. They show social values and attitudes.
Another important cultural perspective on periphrasis is the use of euphemistic
expressions to avoid harsh or unpleasant realities, especially concerning sensitive
topics like death. In English, instead of saying the direct and emotionally heavy word
"
died
," people often use periphrastic alternatives such as "
passed away
" or
colloquially "
kicked the bucket
." These expressions soften the emotional impact and
demonstrate cultural sensitivity in addressing delicate subjects. Similarly, in Uzbek
culture, periphrasis is commonly used when speaking about death to maintain
politeness, respect, and emotional delicacy. Instead of bluntly stating "died," speakers
might say
"vafot etdi"
(he/she passed away),
"olamdan ko'z yumdi"
(closed his/her
eyes to the world), or
"narigi dunyoga ketdi"
(went to the other world). These
expressions not only soften the harshness of death but also reflect deep cultural
attitudes towards life, death, and respect for the deceased.
In English culture, the term
"black sheep"
is often used to describe an individual
who is seen as an outcast or someone who does not conform to the standards or
expectations of the group, especially within a family. This idiom typically refers to
someone who is considered the "bad" or "problematic" member of a family or group,
someone whose behavior deviates from the norm. For example, a rebellious or
troublemaking family member might be labeled as the "
black sheep
." This
24
Brown, P., & Levinson, S. C. (1987).
Politeness: Some universals in language usage
. Cambridge University Press.
25
Ahmadova, U. S. Q. (2021).
PERIFRAZA” ATAMASI VA UNING NOMLASHDAGI O ‘RNI
. Oriental renaissance:
Innovative, educational, natural and social sciences, 1(8), 431-442.
26
Baxriddinovna, K. A. (2022).
Voqelik obyektini perifrastik sinonimlar orqali ifodalash
. Integration of
Pragmalinguistics, Functional Translation Studies and Language Teaching Processes, 71–73.
International scientific journal
“Interpretation and researches”
Volume 1 issue 6 (52) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2
166
metaphoric periphrasis is particularly striking because, in English-speaking countries,
sheep are typically white, and a black sheep stands out visually as rare and different,
symbolizing nonconformity and disapproval. In contrast, in Uzbek culture, although
black sheep are more commonly seen and do not carry the same symbolism of rarity,
a different animal metaphor is used to express a similar idea. Uzbeks use the phrase
"tirriqi buzoq"
(literally, "weak calf") to describe someone who is perceived as
different, ineffective, or not meeting societal expectations.
For instance, in English, the term
"old"
is commonly used to describe something
or someone that has aged or has been around for a long time. However, in Uzbek
culture, instead of using the word
"eski"
(old), people may prefer to use
"almisoqdan
qolgan"
(literally "left from the old times" or "from a bygone era") to describe
something that is old or outdated. This expression adds a layer of cultural nuance,
reflecting a deeper sense of historical or cultural significance. This combination is
mainly characterized by its religious influence. Al-Misaq is the promise of all people
to believe in Allah Almighty. In this regard, this periphrastic unit is used figuratively
to describe something that is extremely old, outdated, or obsolete, often with a hint of
criticism or sarcasm. We witness the use of this combination in Oybek’s “Tanlangan
asarlar”:
“Arava bo’lsa almisoqdan qolgan, yana sinibdi”.
Language and culture are so closely interconnected that even the animals
familiar to a certain region influence the formation of linguistic expressions,
including periphrasis. The presence of specific animals in daily life often leaves a
visible mark on the figurative language of a culture. For instance, in English, pigs
play a significant role in various periphrastic expressions. The phrase
"pig-headed"
is
used to describe a person who is extremely stubborn and inflexible, reflecting the
English cultural perception of pigs as close-minded and unyielding animals. Another
common English expression,
"when pigs fly,"
is used sarcastically to refer to
something that will never happen, emphasizing the impossibility by invoking an
absurd image. In contrast, in Uzbek culture, where pigs are not commonly present or
symbolically significant, other animals take on these figurative roles. For example,
instead of referencing pigs for impossibility, Uzbeks use camels in the expression
"Tuyaning dumi yerga tekkanda,"
which literally means
"when the camel’s tail
touches the ground,"
conveying the same idea of something that will never happen.
Similarly, for describing someone as foolish or lacking intelligence, where English
might use
"bird-brained,"
Uzbek speakers often say
"tovuq miya"
(chicken-brained),
substituting the culturally familiar chicken for the bird. These examples illustrate how
the natural environment, cultural values, and daily experiences of a society shape the
specific imagery and periphrastic structures found in its language. Understanding
these animal-based periphrases provides valuable insights into the deeper cultural
logic that informs how different communities conceptualize the world around them.
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Volume 1 issue 6 (52) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2
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Religious and literary sources also play a vital role in shaping culturally
significant periphrastic expressions. In English, the phraseological unit
"Good
Samaritan"
refers to a compassionate person who selflessly helps others, especially
strangers, without expecting anything in return. This expression originates from the
biblical Parable of the Good Samaritan, a story deeply rooted in Christian tradition.
The parable highlights the virtues of kindness and altruism, which have transcended
religious contexts to become part of everyday language. For example:
"If it had not
been for a good Samaritan who rushed him to the hospital, the accident victim would
not have been living today."
The analysis of periphrasis in English and Uzbek languages reveals that it is not
merely a stylistic device, but a culturally embedded phenomenon that reflects social
values, traditions, and norms. In both languages, periphrastic expressions serve to
soften speech, express politeness, show respect, and avoid directness, thus playing a
vital role in maintaining social harmony. Understanding the linguacultural features of
periphrasis enriches our appreciation of both languages and enhances intercultural
communication by making us more aware of the subtleties that govern polite,
respectful, and culturally sensitive speech.
References:
1.
Rozental’ D.E. Telenkova M.A,
Dictionary reference book of linguistic
terms
. M. 1976
2.
Musayev Q.
English stylistics
. - T.: Adolat, 2003.-p.11
3.
Ashurova D.U., Galieva M.R.
Cultural Linguistics
, Tashkenty, 2019 -
204 pp.
4.
Brown, P., & Levinson, S. C. (1987).
Politeness: Some universals in
language usage
. Cambridge University Press.
5.
Ahmadova, U. S. Q. (2021).
“PERIFRAZA” ATAMASI VA UNING
NOMLASHDAGI O ‘RNI.
Oriental renaissance: Innovative, educational, natural and
social sciences, 1(8), 431-442.
6.
Baxriddinovna, K. A. (2022).
Voqelik obyektini perifrastik sinonimlar
orqali ifodalash.
Integration of Pragmalinguistics, Functional Translation Studies and
Language Teaching Processes, 71–73.
