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CROSS-CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS WITH THE
COMPONENT «HEART»
Valieva Nargizakhon Zamir kizi
Trainee Teacher
Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
rakhmankulovanargizakhon@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
This study explores the conceptual integration of phraseological units with the
component "heart" in English, Russian, and Uzbek, using conceptual integration theory (CIT) as
the analytical framework. The research aims to analyze how the metaphor of the "heart" is
conceptualized across these three languages, highlighting both universal and culture-specific
aspects. By examining a selection of phraseological units, the study identifies key patterns in
how the heart metaphor is used to express emotions such as love, kindness, pain, and resilience.
While all three languages share common uses of the heart metaphor, they exhibit distinct
conceptual integration patterns shaped by cultural values. In English, emotional openness and
vulnerability are emphasized, while Russian phrases focus on emotional control and endurance,
and Uzbek expressions highlight emotional transparency and directness. This comparative
analysis reveals how language reflects cultural attitudes toward emotion, social interaction, and
personal expression. The findings suggest that understanding metaphorical expressions in
different languages can improve cross-cultural communication, translation, and language
teaching. The study also highlights the potential of CIT in uncovering deeper cognitive and
cultural processes in metaphor formation. Further research could expand the scope to include
additional languages and explore other metaphorical expressions to deepen our understanding of
cross-cultural metaphors and conceptual integration.
Keywords:
phraseological units, conceptual integration theory, heart metaphor, cross-cultural
comparison, English, Russian, Uzbek, metaphorical expressions, emotional expression, cultural
values, cognitive linguistics.
INTRODUCTION.
Phraseological units (PhUs) are expressions or fixed combinations of words whose
meaning cannot be understood merely by interpreting the individual components. They play a
crucial role in any language, as they reflect the cultural and cognitive structures of the speakers.
PhUs encompass idiomatic expressions, proverbs, collocations, and metaphors that often use
figurative language to convey meanings beyond their literal interpretation. The concept of
figurative language—language that uses metaphor, simile, and other forms of non-literal
expression—allows for a deeper, more nuanced communication of ideas and emotions.
A particularly interesting area of exploration is the role of specific components in PhUs,
such as the word "heart." The heart, a universal symbol of emotion, love, and inner feelings,
appears in many languages as a central metaphor for human experience. The way different
cultures conceptualize "heart" through PhUs reveals much about the values, norms, and
collective consciousness of those cultures. Therefore, analyzing phraseological units that include
the component "heart" allows for insight into how different languages and cultures interpret this
metaphor, as well as the role it plays in shaping the way people think and communicate.
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The purpose of this study is to explore the conceptual integration of phraseological units
with the component "heart" in English, Russian, and Uzbek. By applying the theory of
conceptual integration (or blending theory), this study aims to identify how different conceptual
elements are integrated in the formation of these phraseological units. This will provide a deeper
understanding of how languages conceptualize emotional and psychological states through the
metaphor of the heart, highlighting both commonalities and differences across cultures.
The key research questions driving this study are as follows:
•
How do cultural differences influence the conceptualization of "heart" in English,
Russian, and Uzbek phraseological units?
•
What conceptual integration patterns emerge when comparing these
phraseological units in the three languages?
•
How do the cultural contexts of each language shape the metaphoric use of
"heart" in idiomatic expressions?
These questions guide the analysis and aim to uncover the cultural nuances embedded in
the use of the "heart" metaphor across different linguistic contexts.
Understanding the phraseological units involving the component "heart" in different languages is
of great importance for both linguistics and cultural studies. From a linguistic perspective, this
study contributes to the field of cross-cultural semantics and metaphor theory by examining how
a common metaphor is shaped by distinct cultural environments. It also helps in understanding
the cognitive processes behind the formation of idiomatic expressions and how they vary across
languages.
From a cultural standpoint, analyzing how "heart" is conceptualized in different
languages allows for a better understanding of cultural values, emotional expression, and the
ways in which people communicate their inner worlds. In addition, this study can benefit
translation studies, as it provides insights into the challenges and strategies involved in
translating metaphorical expressions across languages. Finally, this research can contribute to
intercultural communication, providing a foundation for more effective communication between
speakers of English, Russian, and Uzbek by revealing the shared and divergent meanings
attributed to the concept of "heart."
By investigating phraseological units with the component "heart" in these three languages,
this study not only sheds light on language-specific metaphors but also deepens our
understanding of the interplay between language, culture, and cognition.
METHODS.
The phraseological units for this study were carefully selected from a range of sources in
English, Russian, and Uzbek. The selection process focused on idiomatic expressions, proverbs,
and metaphors that include the component "heart," reflecting the emotional and cognitive role of
this concept in each language. A total of 20 phraseological units from each language were chosen,
ensuring a representative sample of both widely recognized and culturally specific expressions.
The selection process also aimed for variety in the types of PUs, including those related to love,
courage, fear, and other emotional or psychological states that are commonly associated with the
heart.
The analytical framework for this study is based on
conceptual integration theory
(CIT)
, also known as
blending theory
, as proposed by Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner. CIT
focuses on how concepts from different mental spaces are combined or "blended" to create new
meanings. This theory is particularly useful for analyzing metaphorical expressions, as it allows
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for an exploration of how different conceptual domains (such as emotions, physical states, and
abstract ideas) are integrated into a unified metaphorical expression. In this study, CIT will be
used to analyze how the metaphor of the "heart" is conceptualized in the phraseological units and
how the components of these expressions interact to form culturally specific meanings.
A comparative methodology is employed to analyze the phraseological units across
English, Russian, and Uzbek. This approach allows for a direct comparison of how each
language conceptualizes "heart" through its PhUs. The study will highlight both the universal
aspects of the metaphor and the cultural distinctions in its use. By comparing the PhUs in terms
of their conceptual components, emotional connotations, and underlying cultural values, the
study aims to uncover similarities and differences in how each language blends the metaphor of
the «heart."
The data for this study were collected from various sources, including literary works,
dictionaries, and spoken language examples. For each language, a combination of modern and
classical literature was used to ensure a broad representation of phraseological units.
Additionally, idiomatic expressions were extracted from monolingual and bilingual dictionaries,
as well as online resources. In cases where spoken language examples were available, these were
also considered to provide a more contemporary and colloquial perspective on the use of "heart"
in each language.
The data analysis process involved several steps. First, each phraseological unit was
analyzed to identify the key conceptual elements associated with the metaphor of the "heart."
These elements were categorized into emotional, physical, and psychological domains, reflecting
the different meanings and associations that "heart" holds in each expression. Next, the
conceptual integration of these elements was examined to understand how the metaphor of the
"heart" blends different mental spaces. Finally, the phraseological units were compared across
the three languages to identify common patterns of conceptual integration as well as language-
specific variations. This analysis allowed for an in-depth exploration of the role of the heart
metaphor in emotional expression and cultural conceptualization.
RESULTS.
In English, the component "heart" appears in various phraseological units, each
conveying different emotional and psychological meanings. Some notable examples include:
•
"Heart of gold"
: Refers to a person with a kind and generous nature.
•
"Wear your heart on your sleeve"
: Describes someone who openly expresses
their emotions.
•
"Break someone's heart"
: Implies causing emotional pain or heartbreak.
•
"A change of heart"
: Indicates a change in feelings or attitude, especially in
terms of decision-making.
•
"Cold hearted"
: Refers to someone who is emotionally unfeeling or cruel. These
PUs reflect the idea of the heart as a symbol of emotions, vulnerability, and moral character,
demonstrating the connection between emotional states and the metaphor of the heart.
In Russian, several phraseological units also incorporate "heart," often highlighting
emotional and psychological aspects of human experience. Some examples include:
•
"Золотое сердце"
(Golden heart): Used to describe a person who is kind,
generous, and caring.
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•
"Держать сердце в кулаке"
(To keep the heart in the fist): Means to control
one's emotions, especially in stressful or challenging situations.
•
"Разбить сердце"
(To break the heart): Similar to the English expression, it
refers to causing emotional pain, particularly in romantic contexts.
•
"Сердце не выдержало"
(The heart could not bear it): Refers to a situation
where someone experiences intense emotional distress.
•
"Холодное сердце"
(Cold heart): Used to describe a person who lacks empathy
or compassion. In Russian, the "heart" metaphor tends to highlight emotional vulnerability,
control, and the ability to endure hardship, aligning with broader cultural views on emotional
resilience.
In Uzbek, the "heart" metaphor appears in various PUs that reflect the emotional and
moral aspects of human experience. Examples include:
•
"Oltin yurak"
(Golden heart): Similar to the English and Russian expressions, it
describes a person with a kind and noble character.
•
"Yuragi yongan"
(Heart burning): Implies deep emotional distress, often from
love or sorrow.
•
"Yuragi bo'sh"
(Empty heart): Refers to a person who feels emotionally empty
or lacks motivation.
•
"Yuragini ochmoq"
(To open one’s heart): Means to express one’s feelings
openly or to reveal one’s emotions.
•
"Sovuq yurak"
(Cold heart): Describes someone who is indifferent or unfeeling,
similar to its use in English and Russian. These PUs in Uzbek also reflect emotional sensitivity,
the capacity for love, and the moral connotations of the heart as a symbol of virtue and empathy.
Across the three languages, common conceptual integration patterns emerge in the use of
"heart" as a metaphor for emotional and psychological states. In all three languages, the heart is
conceptualized as the center of emotions, particularly love, kindness, and sorrow, and is often
used to symbolize moral character. The metaphorical expressions involving "heart" typically
blend emotional or psychological experiences with physical representations of the heart (e.g.,
breaking, burning, being cold or empty). This integration reflects universal human experiences,
such as love, pain, and emotional resilience, which are conveyed through the metaphor of the
heart.
However, there are some variations in how the heart metaphor is used in each language.
In English, there is a strong emphasis on personal expression and vulnerability, as seen in
phrases like "wear your heart on your sleeve." In Russian, the concept of emotional control and
endurance is more prominent, with expressions like "держать сердце в кулаке" (to keep the
heart in the fist) focusing on managing emotions under pressure. In Uzbek, there is a notable
focus on the openness and depth of emotions, as seen in expressions like "yuragini ochmoq" (to
open one’s heart), highlighting the importance of emotional honesty and transparency.
These differences in conceptual integration patterns illustrate how cultural attitudes towards
emotion, morality, and personal expression shape the use of the "heart" metaphor in each
language, reflecting both shared human experiences and language-specific cultural perspectives.
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DISCUSSIONS.
The conceptualization of "heart" in phraseological units across English, Russian, and
Uzbek reveals both shared human experiences and culturally specific nuances. In all three
languages, the "heart" serves as a central metaphor for emotions, with common themes of love,
kindness, and pain. For example, the expressions
"heart of gold"
(English),
"золотое сердце"
(Russian), and
"oltin yurak"
(Uzbek) all convey the idea of a person with a kind and generous
nature. Similarly, the metaphor of emotional distress, seen in
"break someone's heart"
(English),
"разбить сердце"
(Russian), and
"yuragi yong'an"
(Uzbek), highlights the
universality of heartbreak. However, significant differences emerge in the way the "heart" is
framed within emotional control and resilience. English phrases like
"wear your heart on your
sleeve"
emphasize openness and vulnerability, while Russian expressions such as
"держать
сердце в кулаке"
stress emotional restraint. Uzbek phrases, such as
"yuragini ochmoq"
(to
open one’s heart), underline emotional transparency and expressiveness, suggesting a cultural
inclination toward emotional honesty. These differences reflect unique cultural attitudes toward
the expression and management of emotions.
The conceptualization of the "heart" in phraseological units is deeply influenced by
cultural values, historical context, and social structures. In English-speaking cultures, there is
often a premium placed on individual expression and emotional openness, reflected in phrases
like
"wear your heart on your sleeve"
, where vulnerability is seen as a form of honesty and
strength. In contrast, Russian culture, shaped by historical resilience and a focus on endurance,
often portrays emotional control as a virtue, as seen in expressions like
"держать сердце в
кулаке"
. This reflects a cultural norm that values emotional composure, especially in difficult
or threatening situations. Uzbek culture, which places a strong emphasis on community,
emotional bonding, and direct communication, highlights openness and transparency of emotions.
This is reflected in expressions like
"yuragini ochmoq"
(to open one’s heart), where emotional
expression is seen as integral to building trust and connection. These cultural influences
underscore the distinct ways in which each language frames emotional experience and personal
strength.
Conceptual integration theory provides a valuable framework for understanding how
these differences and similarities arise. According to CIT, the blending of different conceptual
spaces creates new meanings, and in the case of these phraseological units, it allows for the
fusion of emotional and physical states (e.g., the heart as a metaphor for love, pain, and strength).
The differences between the languages can be seen as distinct conceptual blends that are shaped
by each culture's understanding of emotional regulation, vulnerability, and resilience. In English,
the heart metaphor often blends emotional expression with personal identity, whereas in Russian,
the blend emphasizes emotional restraint and endurance. In Uzbek, the blend involves emotional
openness and honesty, creating a different conceptual integration pattern. Conceptual integration
theory thus helps explain why certain expressions are more prevalent or carry different
connotations in each language, offering insights into the cognitive and cultural processes behind
metaphor formation.
This study highlights the importance of both linguistic and cultural factors in shaping
metaphorical expressions. Understanding how the "heart" is conceptualized in different
languages can offer valuable insights into cultural perspectives on emotion, morality, and social
relationships. For language teaching and translation, recognizing the metaphorical differences in
these expressions can help avoid misinterpretations and improve cross-cultural communication.
For instance, while translating a phrase like
"wear your heart on your sleeve"
, a direct
translation might not convey the same meaning in Russian, where emotional restraint is often
prioritized. Similarly, understanding these metaphors can aid in intercultural communication,
allowing individuals to navigate differences in emotional expression and develop a deeper
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appreciation for diverse cultural values. Ultimately, this study underscores the dynamic
relationship between language, culture, and cognition, demonstrating how language reflects and
shapes the way we think about and express our emotions.
CONCLUSION.
This study has explored the conceptual integration of phraseological units with the
component "heart" in English, Russian, and Uzbek, using conceptual integration theory (CIT) as
the analytical framework. The key findings indicate that while all three languages share common
metaphoric uses of "heart" to express emotions such as love, kindness, and pain, they also reflect
distinct cultural perspectives. In English, the "heart" metaphor emphasizes emotional openness
and vulnerability, as seen in expressions like
"wear your heart on your sleeve."
In Russian, the
metaphor highlights emotional control and resilience, reflected in phrases like
"держать сердце
в кулаке."
Uzbek expressions, on the other hand, focus on emotional transparency and
directness, as evidenced by
"yuragini ochmoq"
(to open one’s heart). These differences in
conceptual integration patterns reveal how cultural values and historical contexts shape the
metaphorical use of "heart" in each language, illustrating both universal and culturally specific
ways of expressing emotions.
While this study provides valuable insights into the cross-cultural conceptualization of
"heart" in phraseological units, there are several limitations. First, the data sample, although
representative, is not exhaustive, and additional phraseological units from a broader range of
sources could have provided a more comprehensive analysis. Additionally, the study focused on
only three languages, and while these languages represent distinct cultural contexts, the findings
may not be fully applicable to other linguistic and cultural settings. Furthermore, the analysis
primarily relied on literary and dictionary sources, which may not capture the full range of
colloquial expressions used in everyday speech. Finally, the use of CIT, while useful for
understanding conceptual blends, does not fully account for the emotional and social dynamics
that shape language use in real-world contexts.
Future research could expand the scope of this study by incorporating additional
languages, including those from different cultural backgrounds, to provide a more global
perspective on the conceptualization of "heart" in phraseological units. Comparative studies
between more language families could reveal further patterns of cross-cultural metaphor use.
Additionally, research could explore the role of metaphor in non-literal language forms, such as
advertisements, literature, and media, to investigate how metaphorical expressions evolve and
are adapted in modern contexts. Another promising direction for further research could involve
examining the role of metaphor in language acquisition and how young learners across different
cultures internalize and use metaphorical expressions. Finally, applying conceptual integration
theory to other metaphorical expressions beyond "heart" could offer deeper insights into the
cognitive processes involved in language and culture.
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