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volume 4, issue 3, 2025
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LINGUISTIC FEATURES AND SOCIOLINGUISTIC FUNCTIONS OF
PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH AND
UZBEK
Qosimova Madinabonu Murod kizi
2nd year master's student at the Uzbek State
University of World Languages
Abstract:
Phraseological units (PUs) are essential elements of language that carry cultural and
linguistic significance. This study examines the linguistic structure of PUs in English and Uzbek,
comparing their morphosyntactic, semantic, and functional characteristics. It also explores their
sociolinguistic roles, including how they reflect cultural identity and social norms. By analyzing
similarities and differences between the two languages, this research contributes to a broader
understanding of phraseology in bilingual and cross-cultural communication.
Keywords:
phraseological units, idioms, sociolinguistics, English, Uzbek, linguistic structure,
cultural identity
1. Introduction
Phraseological units, commonly known as idioms, collocations, and proverbs, are integral to
linguistic expression. They encode cultural knowledge and are often resistant to direct translation
due to their figurative meanings (Baker, 2018). This study aims to compare the linguistic features
and sociolinguistic functions of PUs in English and Uzbek, focusing on their structural
composition and social roles.
The objectives of this study are:
1. To analyze the morphosyntactic and semantic structure of PUs in English and Uzbek.
2. To explore their sociolinguistic functions, including their role in cultural identity and
communication.
2. Methodology
This study employs a comparative linguistic approach, analyzing phraseological units from
English and Uzbek corpora. Data sources include dictionaries, literary texts, and spoken
discourse. The analysis is qualitative, focusing on structure, meaning, and usage within
sociocultural contexts.
3. Results and Discussion
Phraseological units in both English and Uzbek exhibit structural complexity. They can be
categorized as:
Idioms: Fixed expressions with non-literal meanings (e.g., kick the bucket in English, кора қўй
бўлмоқ “to be a black sheep” in Uzbek).
Proverbs: Complete statements conveying wisdom (A rolling stone gathers no moss vs. Кўп
болга бир товоқ сув “Too many cooks spoil the broth”).
Collocations: Habitual word combinations (strong tea in English, катта эҳтимол “high
probability” in Uzbek).
English PUs often exhibit syntactic rigidity (Moon, 1998). For example, spill the beans cannot be
altered to spill beans without losing its idiomatic meaning. Uzbek PUs, however, may show
flexibility in word order due to the agglutinative nature of the language (Khudayberganova,
2020).
English idioms frequently derive from historical or literary sources, such as Shakespearean
phrases (neither here nor there). Uzbek idioms are deeply rooted in folklore and Islamic
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traditions (Бир борини ёр қилган “One who shares is blessed”). Both languages use
metaphorical imagery, though cultural references differ.
PUs encapsulate cultural worldviews. English idioms often reflect individualism (stand on one’s
own two feet), whereas Uzbek idioms emphasize collectivism (Қўшни – ёру ғаминг “A
neighbor is your companion in joy and sorrow”).
English PUs can indicate formality levels (break the ice is informal, whereas extend an olive
branch is formal). Uzbek PUs often reflect hierarchical social structures, using respectful forms
(Каттага ҳурмат – кичикка иззат “Respect for elders, care for the young”).
Both languages use PUs for humor, irony, and persuasion. However, Uzbek speakers frequently
employ idioms in proverbs for moral instruction, while English idioms are more common in
casual speech and media (Koonin, 2004).
4.
Conclusion
The comparative analysis of English and Uzbek phraseological units reveals both linguistic and
cultural distinctions. While English PUs reflect historical and literary influences, Uzbek PUs
draw from folklore and collectivist values. Their sociolinguistic functions highlight differences
in cultural communication styles. Understanding these aspects enhances cross-linguistic
comprehension and translation accuracy.
References
1. Baker, M. (2018). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge.
2. Khudayberganova, D. (2020). "Phraseological Units in Uzbek: Structural and Semantic
Features." Uzbek Linguistic Journal, 12(2), 45-58.
3. Koonin, A. V. (2004). English Phraseology: A Coursebook. Moscow State University Press.
4. Moon, R. (1998). Fixed Expressions and Idioms in English. Oxford University Press.
