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A CROSS-LINGUISTIC STUDY OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK SIGNS
IN PUBLIC PLACES
Nigina DAVRONOVA, a master’s student of
University of Exact and Social Science
E-mail: D.Nigina12@gmail.com
Tel: +998 995632607
Abstract: Public signs are vital communication tools that can be used to
educate, guide, and enlighten a wide range of people in a variety of contexts. The
linguistic features of these indicators must be examined to understand how effectively
they convey meaning. This article explores the theoretical frameworks that underpin
the analysis of language components in public signals using insights from linguistics,
semiotics, and pragmatics.
Key words: Semiotics, symbols, triadic model, interpretant, discourse,
linguistic environment, public signage
Сравнительный анализ английских и узбекских знаков в
общественных местах
Аннотация: Общественные знаки являются важными инструментами
коммуникации, которые можно использовать для обучения, ориентации и
просвещения широкого круга людей в различных контекстах. Лингвистические
особенности этих индикаторов необходимо изучить, чтобы понять, насколько
эффективно они передают значение. Эта статья исследует теоретические
рамки, которые лежат в основе анализа языковых компонентов в
общественных знаках, используя идеи из лингвистики, семиотики и прагматики.
Ключевые слова: Семиотика, символы, триадическая модель,
интерпретант, дискурс, лингвистическая среда, общественные знаки.
INGLIZ VA O‘ZBEK TILLARIDAGI JAMOAT BELGILARINING
LINGVISTIK XUSUSIYATLARI
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Annotatsiya: Jamoat belgilari keng turdagi odamlarni turli kontekstlarda
tarbiyalash, yo‘naltirish va ma’rifatlantirish uchun muhim kommunikatsiya
vositalaridir. Ushbu ko‘rsatkichlarning lingvistik xususiyatlarini o‘rganish, ularning
ma’noni qanchalik samarali yetkazayotganini tushunish uchun zarur. Ushbu maqola
jamoat belgilaridagi til komponentlarini tahlil qilish uchun asos bo‘luvchi nazariy
ramkalarni, lingvistika, semiotika va pragmatika sohalaridan olingan fikrlarni
qo‘llagan holda o‘rganadi.
Kalit so‘zlar: Simiotika, ramzlar, triadik model, interpretant, diskurs, lingvistik
muhit, jamoat belgilari.
INTRODUCTION
Public signs are essential communication tools that can be used in a variety of
settings to inform, direct, and instruct a wide range of audiences. To comprehend how
these indicators efficiently convey meaning, it is necessary to analyse their linguistic
aspects. Using knowledge from linguistics, semiotics, and pragmatics, this chapter
investigates the theoretical frameworks that support the examination of linguistic
elements in public signals.
According to Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf's theory of linguistic
relativity, a person's language has an impact on how they see and understand the world.
This theory highlights the significance of language choice in the setting of public signs.
Diverse populations are accommodated via multilingual signs, which represent a
community's linguistic environment. Studies have demonstrated that the accessibility
and inclusivity of information can be affected by the presence or lack of specific
languages on public signage.
Language and its internal features were studied by Uzbek linguists, who
contributed to the development of general linguistics and its branches, such as X.A.
Dadaboyev, I. Yo‘ldoshev, S. Mo‘minov, A. Nurmonov and others.
To comprehend how public signs work, pragmatics—the area of linguistics that
studies language in context—is essential. Theories that emphasise how language
performs actions include the Speech Act Theory, which was first proposed by J.L.
Austin and then developed by John Searle. Public signs frequently function as petitions
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(like "Please Keep Off the Grass") or directions (like "No Smoking"). Because social
norms and expectations define how signals are received, the context in which a sign is
put affects how it is interpreted. A sign in a park, for instance, might use a more
courteous tone, reflecting the cultural values of the community.
For example, a sign in a park that reads
"Please Keep Off the Grass"
employs
a polite directive that reflects social norms and expectations. The use of "please"
indicates an attempt to engage the public respectfully, demonstrating an understanding
of the context and cultural values surrounding community spaces.
In the case of the Uzbek language, this case is represented in the following way
with a similar courteous tone:
“Maysani bosmang!” –
In this sign, the courteous tone is represented
differently compared to the English sample. In the Uzbek language, according to its
structural category, suffixes play an important role in providing a polite tone reflecting
cultural values. Moreover, there is another specific feature in the Uzbek language,
which is the application of punctuation marks as a sign of either warning or caution.
According to cognitive linguistics, human intellect and experiences are
fundamental to language. According to this idea, our mental frameworks influence the
interpretations that signs convey. To improve understanding, public signs frequently
use iconicity, which is when the sign looks like what it represents. A pedestrian
crossing emblem, for example, makes the message instantly apparent by graphically
representing a person walking. For signage to be effective, form and meaning must be
cognitively connected.
Cognitive analysis of public signs, such as traffic signs, reveals how design and
contextual factors influence perception, understanding, and behavior. By considering
these elements, urban planners and designers can create more effective public signage
that enhances communication, safety, and navigability in public spaces. This analysis
underscores the importance of cognitive psychology in the design of public information
systems.
In the following examples, we will illustrate some differences in the signs of
both English and Uzbek languages. In the English language, in the context of public
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places, the sign of “no smoking” is very common to see. The sign applies the present
gerund form with a negative particle. The word "no" functions primarily as a
negative
particle
in English. It is used to express negation or denial. In some contexts, it can
also serve as an
adjective
(e.g., "no problem") or an
adverb
(e.g., "no longer").
However, in our context, it is in the function of denial. This context does not provide a
direct with courteous tone in an apparent way, but it is still in the limits of community
rules. The sign uses a neutral tone and it serves as a tone of a rule as a warning.
In the case of the Uzbek language, the sign with a similar meaning is given in
the following way – “chekilmasin” or another version is also available – “chekish
mumkin emas”. In the first version, the Uzbek language applies passive voices to
transfer the meaning of warning, and in the other way, it is a neutral way of referencing
someone without violating the rights and politeness rules. From a grammatical
viewpoint, English and Uzbek samples are different from each other in their structures
in the case of the first version in the Uzbek language. The second version of the Uzbek
sign illustrates a particular similarity that is close to the English version, with the
application of the negative particle “emas” and the gerund form of the verb. However,
the clear difference despite the similarity is the usage of the word meaning possibility
“mumkin”.
Discourse analysis studies how meanings are created via interaction and how
language works in social settings. A unified narrative or informative campaign can be
facilitated by public signs, which can be seen as a component of wider discourse
networks. For instance, the public may be informed about safety precautions by a
number of health-related signage in a public area. Our comprehension of these
indicators' communication function is improved by examining their relationships with
one another. In a hospital, a series of signs directing patients and visitors—such as
“Emergency Room,” “Radiology,” and “Pharmacy”—contributes to a coherent
discourse about navigating the facility. Each sign is part of a larger informational
network that aids in understanding the layout and services provided.
A local café uses various signs to communicate with customers, including menu
boards, directional signs, and promotional banners.
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The language is casual and friendly, using phrases like “Try our delicious
homemade muffins!” This invites customers to explore the offerings and creates a
welcoming atmosphere.
The usage of informal tone and casual language, sometimes metaphoric ones,
is also available in the case of the Uzbek language, too. Unlike the English language,
informal words and casual tone are not so common, but creative usage of language can
result in some publicly familiar and commonly used phrases. They contribute to a
welcoming atmosphere in public eating places. Their language can vary from a formal
one to an informal and created one. For example, a small fast food outlet has used the
word “tog‘a” as the name of the burgers prepared there as a “tog‘a burger”. The usage
of this word has been largely connected to fun stories and jokes thanks to the media.
In English-speaking countries, signs in subways typically say: "Please do not
lean on the door", "No leaning on the door", "Do not lean against the door." These
messages are clear and direct to ensure safety and compliance.
"Please do not lean on the door."
"Please" serves as a politeness marker,
softening the command. "do not lean" is a negative imperative. "Do" acts as an
auxiliary verb that negates the main verb "lean." "on the door" specifies the location of
the action, with "on" as the preposition and "the door" as the noun phrase.
"No leaning on the door."
"No" functions as a determiner indicating the
absence of permission or allowance. "leaning on the door" employs a gerund
("leaning") as the head noun. This construction emphasizes the action as a concept
rather than a direct command. "on the door" again specifies the location.
"Do not lean against the door."
Similar to the first sentence, "do not" negates
the imperative verb "lean." "against the door" uses "against" instead of "on," indicating
a slightly different interaction with the door, emphasizing opposition or contact rather
than just positioning.
All sentences are structured in the imperative mood, instructing or advising the
listener.
Each sentence employs negation to prohibit the action of leaning.
The
language is straightforward, suitable for signage where quick comprehension is
essential.
These sentences are designed to communicate safety instructions effectively
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and clearly, using standard grammatical structures that enhance understanding in a
public setting.
In Uzbekistan subways use the following sentences as a precaution sing
message: “
Iltimos suyanmangiz
”. The similarity is the usage of word “iltimos” like
in English, which is a politeness marker. Being sticked to the door, there is no
references in Uzbek version the usage of location. The verb is used in imperative mode
with politeness marks. The application of double suffixes that show politeness as well
as command gives safety, caution and warns against an action. Moreover, the last suffix
“-iz” from another point refers to a large group of people, in the plural form.
The discursive analysis of public signs in restaurants reveals how language,
visual design, and contextual placement work together to shape customer experiences
and behaviours. By carefully crafting their signage, restaurants can create a welcoming
atmosphere, guide customer interactions, and promote their brand identity.
Understanding these elements can help restaurant owners and designers improve
communication and enhance the overall dining experience.
CONCLUSION
These examples illustrate how theoretical frameworks can be applied to the
analysis of linguistic features in public signs. By understanding language choice,
semiotic meaning, pragmatic context, cognitive associations, discourse relationships,
and visual communication, we can create more effective and inclusive public signage
that serves the needs of all community members.
A comprehensive theoretical framework that includes linguistic relativity,
semiotics, pragmatics, cognitive linguistics, discourse analysis, and visual
communication theory serves as the foundation for the study of linguistic aspects in
public signs. Gaining an understanding of these theories improves our capacity to
design inclusive, clear signs. Analysing public signs using these theoretical
frameworks is becoming more and more crucial as urban environments continue to
diversity, guaranteeing that communication is still meaningful and accessible to all
community members.
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The general summary will be that in order to analyze the language usage there
is a need to consider extra linguistic features. Public language usage will be also
affected by different societal factor such as homogeneous society, touristic centers,
multinational place and the level of education of the inhabitants in the place. In some
cases, very common second language usage can be seen as a means of a comprehensive
tool to communicate.
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