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THE USE OF THE LEXEME "FOOT" IN PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS IN GERMAN
AND UZBEK LANGUAGES
Shavkatova Sitora Umidovna
SamSIFL, Faculty of Romance-Germanic Languages
3rd-year Student, German Language Department
Abstract:
The article analyzes the linguocultural features of the lexeme "foot" in German and
Uzbek proverbs. The semantics, pragmatics, and cultural connotations of the lexeme "foot" are
examined.
Keywords:
foot, proverb, semantics, pragmatics, linguocultural features, German language,
Uzbek language.
Introduction
Proverbs—such as sayings, maxims, and expressions—reflect the expressive nature of language
within a cultural context. They emdiv a people's life experiences, worldview, traditions, and
values. Analyzing the role and functions of the lexeme "foot" in proverbial units in German and
Uzbek languages is essential for understanding their linguocultural characteristics.
This article provides a comparative analysis of the lexeme "foot" in German and Uzbek proverbs.
The main objective is to determine the meaning and expressive power of the lexeme "foot" in
proverbs.
Literature and Methodology
The Linguocultural Significance of Proverbs
Proverbs are concise expressions of a people's life experiences, demonstrating the expressive
nature of language within a cultural context. In German and Uzbek proverbs, the lexeme "foot"
serves as a medium for conveying various meanings and expressions. Through the lexeme
"foot," concepts such as strong will, resilience, and life experience are expressed.
In German proverbs, the lexeme "foot" is often used to express abstract meanings. For example,
the proverb "Mit den Füßen auf der Erde stehen" ("To stand on the ground with one's feet") uses
the lexeme "foot" to signify a person's acceptance of reality and practicality.
In Uzbek, the proverb "Oyoq bilan yur, qo‘l bilan ishla" ("Walk with your feet, work with your
hands") employs the lexeme "foot" to emphasize a person's practical orientation.
The Semantics and Pragmatics of the Lexeme "Foot"
The lexeme "foot" serves as a medium for various meanings and expressions in proverbs,
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revealing the expressive nature of language within a cultural context.
For instance, in German, the proverb "Mit den Füßen auf der Erde stehen" ("To stand on the
ground with one's feet") uses the lexeme "foot" to denote a person's groundedness and practical
mindset.
In Uzbek, the proverb "Oyoq bilan yur, qo‘l bilan ishla" ("Walk with your feet, work with your
hands") uses the lexeme "foot" to highlight a person's practical approach to life.
Discussion and Results
Cultural Connotations of the Lexeme "Foot"
The lexeme "foot" in proverbs carries numerous cultural connotations, reflecting a people's life
experiences, worldview, traditions, and values.
For example, in German, the proverb "Mit den Füßen auf der Erde stehen" ("To stand on the
ground with one's feet") uses the lexeme "foot" to signify a person's practicality and realism.
In Uzbek, the proverb "Oyoq bilan yur, qo‘l bilan ishla" ("Walk with your feet, work with your
hands") uses the lexeme "foot" to emphasize a person's practical orientation.
The Use of the Lexeme "Foot" in Phraseological Units in Uzbek and German
1. In Uzbek Phraseological Units:
The word "oyoq" (foot) appears in many Uzbek expressions, often conveying the following
meanings:
1.
Movement
2.
Strength or control
3.
Respect or disrespect
4.
Life situations (poverty, helplessness, etc.)
Examples:
Oyoqqa turmoq ("To stand on one's feet") → Means to recover or become independent.
Oyoqda yiqilmoq ("To fall at someone's feet") → To desperately beg someone.
Oyoq osti qilmoq ("To trample underfoot") → To humiliate, disrespect, or devalue something.
Oyoq-qo‘li bilan bog‘lanmoq ("To have hands and feet tied") → To be helpless or unable to act.
In these idioms, "foot" symbolically represents a person's status, freedom, or oppression. It is not
just a div part but also a cultural symbol.
2. In German Phraseological Units:
In German, the words "Fuß" (foot) or "Bein"(leg) are used in similar idiomatic expressions:
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Examples:
Auf eigenen Füßen stehen ("To stand on one's own feet") → Means to be independent (similar
to oyoqqa turmoq).
Jemandem vor die Füße fallen ("To fall at someone's feet") → To beg or show submission
(similar to oyoqda yiqilmoq).
Etwas mit Füßen treten ("To trample something underfoot") → To disrespect or destroy
something (similar to oyoq osti qilmoq).
Kein Bein frei haben ("To not have a free leg") → Means to be extremely busy (slightly different
but related).
These idioms use "foot/leg" to symbolize support, status, freedom, or oppression, much like in
Uzbek.
Key Similarities:
Both languages use "foot/leg" to express freedom, helplessness, respect, or independence.
They share similar metaphorical meanings, such as:
"Standing" = being strong or independent
"Falling at feet" = begging or submitting
"Trampling" = disrespect or abuse
Conclusion
The comparative analysis of the lexeme "foot" in German and Uzbek proverbs reveals its
semantic, pragmatic, and cultural connotations. The lexeme "foot" serves as a medium for
various meanings and expressions in proverbs, reflecting a people's life experiences, worldview,
traditions, and values.
References:
1.
V. N. Teliya. Linguoculturology: Language and Culture. – M.: Nauka, 1996.
2.
A. V. Kungurov. Paremiology: Theory and Practice. – T.: O‘qituvchi, 2005.
3.
G. L. Permyakov. Linguistic Analysis of Proverbs. – M.: Nauka, 1988.
4.
X. Hasanov. Linguocultural Features of Uzbek Proverbs. – T.: Fan, 2010.
5.
J. Mieder. Deutsche Sprichwörter und Redensarten. – Wiesbaden: Reclam, 2003.
