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volume 4, issue 3, 2025
454
THE USE OF ENGLISH LOANWORDS IN THE LEXICON OF THE UZBEK
LANGUAGE
Qunduzoy Khajiboyeva
2nd-year master's student at Abu Rayhon Beruni University
Annotation:
This article discusses the use of english words in the uzbekistan lexicon. The
opinions and research results of linguists on this topic are illustrated using various examples and
the topic is covered in detail.
Key words:
terminology, recipient language, substitutions, loanwords
A number of words borrowed into the Uzbek lexicon originate from English. As known from
linguistic history, languages borrow words from one another to varying degrees depending on
historical conditions and factors. Sometimes the process of borrowing words shifts between
languages in terms of status. At certain times, one language functions as the recipient (accepting)
language, while another serves as the source (donor) language. For instance, in Europe, word
borrowing and the formation of new lexical units were once based on Greek and Latin, whereas
in later periods, English, Russian, and German became the primary sources of borrowing. At one
time, numerous scientific terms and words from various fields of life were borrowed into
Russian from English, and some of these also made their way into Uzbek.
A significant portion of the terminology created across world languages consists of words and
terms borrowed from English. Many of these lexical units belong to Western European
languages through English or are native English words.
If a borrowed word or term is
phonologically adapted to fit the Uzbek sound system, it is accepted in that form. However, since
the 1940s, the original form and pronunciation of such terms have been preserved to the
maximum extent possible.
Borrowing words is a complex process because the phonetic composition and grammatical
structure of the donor and recipient languages often differ. Additionally, a borrowed word or
term does not always retain its original meaning. In other words, borrowed words and terms are
adapted to the phonetic and grammatical systems of the recipient language, and sometimes their
meanings change during the borrowing process.
When a word or term is phonologically adapted, it must align with the phonetic rules of the
recipient language. First, sounds that do not exist in the recipient language are either omitted or
replaced with similar sounds. These substitutions must be as close as possible in pronunciation to
the original sounds.
Several factors are evident in the process of borrowing words, especially from English:
Words can be borrowed through spoken communication. In this case, pronunciation is adjusted
to fit the phonetic norms of the native language as much as possible, sometimes making the
borrowed word resemble native words in pronunciation.
Example:
Laser
(Eng.
laser
; an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation") – an optical quantum generator that produces ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light
radiation. It is a fundamental device in quantum electronics.
Words can also be borrowed through written language, where transliteration plays a key role.
The borrowed word is written and read according to the orthographic and phonetic rules of the
native language.
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Example:
1.
Lift
(Eng.
lift
– "to raise") – a stationary mechanical device with a cabin designed for
vertically transporting people and goods. It operates using various mechanisms such as
mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems. The most widely used type is the electric-powered
lift.
Some words are borrowed by adopting the standard literary pronunciation of the source language.
This method ensures that the borrowed word maintains the pronunciation as it is in the original
language.
Example:
Leasing
(Eng.
lease
– "to use") – refers to the long-term rental of machinery, equipment,
transportation vehicles, and production facilities. It is also a form of export crediting for long-
term use goods. Leasing has two main types: financial leasing and operating leasing.
Like other languages, the Uzbek scientific, technical, and economic terminology is increasingly
enriched by English loanwords, both in terms of quantity and quality. As noted above, economic
terms borrowed from English into Uzbek can be divided into two categories:
a) Native English words.
b) International words and terms from Western European languages borrowed through English.
However, in terms of external form, it is often difficult to strictly distinguish between words of
English origin and European loanwords. Many such terms have been directly adopted from
English, yet they are still considered international words in various linguistic studies.
English loanwords have a distinct place in the Uzbek lexicon, contributing to the expression of
various meanings. As globalization continues, the process of borrowing words will persist,
enriching the Uzbek language with new lexical and terminological units.
REFERENCES
1.
1. Asfandierov I. Russian lexical borrowings in the Uzbek language. – Questions of
linguistics, 1982.
2.
2. Begmatov E. Ҳozirgi ўzbek adabii tilining lexicon katlamlari. – Tashkent, 1985.
3.
3. Borovkov A.K. Tajik - Uzbek bilingualism and questions about the integration of the
Tajik - Uzbek languages. – M. 1952.
4.
4. Ozbek tili encyclopedia. – Tashkent, 1981.
5.
5. Usmonov S. Ozbek tilining lugat composition of tozhikcha-forscha va arabcha suzlar //
Navoiyga armugon. – Tashkent, 1968.
