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SPEECH ACTS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK: A PRAGMATIC
COMPARISON
Nuraliyeva Zarina Panji kizi
Termez State Pedagogical Institute
1st course Master’s student
Abstract. This article explores the use of speech acts in English and Uzbek,
focusing on how intentions such as requesting, apologizing, thanking, or commanding
are expressed and understood in both languages. Speech act theory, introduced by
Austin and developed by Searle, provides the theoretical foundation. The study
compares the directness, politeness strategies, and cultural norms that influence
pragmatic behavior in English and Uzbek communication. Results reveal notable
differences in formality, indirectness, and the use of honorifics, all of which have
significant implications for translation, language teaching, and intercultural
communication.
Keywords: speech acts, pragmatics, English, Uzbek, politeness, intercultural
communication
Аннотация. В данной статье рассматриваются речевые акты в
английском и узбекском языках с прагматической точки зрения. Основываясь
на теории речевых актов Остина и Серля, исследование анализирует, как
намерения — просьбы, извинения, благодарности и команды — выражаются в
двух языках. Внимание уделяется уровню прямоты, вежливости и культурным
нормам, влияющим на коммуникативное поведение. Исследование выявляет
отличия в использовании формального стиля, почтительных форм и
стратегий косвенности, что важно для перевода, преподавания языка и
межкультурной коммуникации.
Ключевые слова: речевые акты, прагматика, английский язык,
узбекский язык, вежливость, межкультурная коммуникация
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
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Language is not only a tool for conveying information; it is also used to
perform actions — such as requesting help, giving orders, or expressing gratitude.
These are called speech acts, and their realization varies from one culture to another.
This article aims to compare the realization of basic speech acts in English and Uzbek
and investigate how pragmatic and cultural norms shape their usage.
1. Theoretical Background: Speech Act Theory
J. L. Austin (1962) introduced the idea that uttering a sentence can constitute
an action (e.g., "I apologize"). Searle (1975) later classified speech acts into five
categories:
1. Assertives (e.g., stating, describing)
2. Directives (e.g., requesting, commanding)
3. Commissives (e.g., promising, offering)
4. Expressives (e.g., apologizing, congratulating)
5. Declarations (e.g., resigning, baptizing)
In this article, we focus on directives and expressives, which often show cross-
cultural variation.
2. Cross-Cultural Differences in Speech Acts
a) Requesting
English favors indirectness and softeners:
Could you possibly open the window?
Uzbek often uses honorific forms and euphemisms:
Iltimos, derazani ochsangiz bo‘lardi.
Uzbek tends to use conditional and respectful expressions, even in informal
settings.
b) Apologizing
English:
I’m sorry for being late.
Uzbek:
Kechirasiz, kech qoldim.
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
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Uzbek apologies may be longer, more formal, and accompanied by additional
gestures (e.g., hand on chest).
c) Thanking
English:
Thank you very much.
Uzbek:
Katta rahmat, Juda minnatdorman
Uzbek speakers tend to include blessings: Alloh rozi bo‘lsin, bardavom
bo‘ling, which have no direct English equivalent.
d) Commanding
English:
Please take a seat. (uses "please" to soften)
Uzbek:
Marhamat, o‘tiring.
While both use polite forms, Uzbek speakers use formal honorifics more
frequently, especially for elders or superiors.
3. Data and Methodology
Data were collected from:
English and Uzbek textbooks
Translated dialogues and films
Native speaker interviews
Speech acts were categorized, compared, and analyzed for formality,
politeness, and structure.
4. Findings and Discussion
Speech Act English Strategy Uzbek Strategy Key Differences
Requesting Indirect, modal verbs Polite, conditional More honorific in Uzbek
Apologizing Short, concise Formal, extended Gestural additions in Uzbek
Thanking Verbal only Verbal + blessing Uzbek more expressive
Commanding Softened imperative Honorific invitation Cultural focus on
respect
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These results show that Uzbek culture emphasizes social hierarchy and
respect, while English communication often values efficiency and individualism.
5. Implications
Understanding speech act variation helps:
Teachers: Teach culturally appropriate expressions
Translators: Avoid literal translation errors
Learners: Avoid sounding rude or too direct
Intercultural communication experts: Bridge cultural misunderstandings
Conclusion
Speech acts serve as a lens through which cultural values can be observed.
While English emphasizes politeness through indirectness and modal verbs, Uzbek
shows deeper attention to social norms, age, and respect. A pragmatic comparison
like this enables more effective cross-cultural communication, translation, and
language teaching. Further research may include corpus-based studies or
experimental data.
REFERENCES
1. Austin, J. L. (1962). How to Do Things with Words. Oxford University Press.
2. Searle, J. R. (1975). Indirect Speech Acts. In Syntax and Semantics, Vol. 3.
3. Brown, P., & Levinson, S. (1987). Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage.
Cambridge University Press.
4. Karimova, D. (2019). Nutq madaniyati va pragmatika. Toshkent: O‘zMU
nashriyoti.
5. Thomas, J. (1995). Meaning in Interaction: An Introduction to Pragmatics.
Longman.
