MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
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IDIOMS IN MODERN LINGUISTICS: ANALYZING CULTURAL
SPECIFICITY AND LEXICALIZATION IN ENGLISH AND RUSSIAN
Aytbaeva Manzura Saduakas qizi, intern teacher,
Karakalpak State University named after Berdakh (Uzbekistan)
ABSTRACT: This article examines the role of idiomatic expressions in
language, focusing on English and Russian. It discusses idioms as phraseological
units with structural integrity and cultural significance, reflecting the history and
traditions of their speakers. The study compares animal-related idioms in both
languages, highlighting the challenges of literal translation and the importance of
memorization. Using examples from literature and everyday speech, the article shows
how idioms enrich language and how they often condense into single words in
English. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of mastering idioms through
immersion and interaction with native speakers for effective language learning and
cultural understanding.
Keywords: Idiomatic expressions, phraseology, the English language, the
Russian language, cultural specificity, lexicalization, figurative meaning, animal-
related idioms, language learning, immersion, native speakers.
In contemporary linguistics, linguists have conducted extensive research to
explore the defining characteristics of idiomatic expressions. A thorough analysis of
idioms as a distinct category of phraseological units reveals a common view that these
units exhibit clear signs of structural integrity and lack motivation. Idioms are often
seen as the heart of phraseology, comprising reinterpreted combinations of words that
enhance speech with expressiveness and imagery. Some scholars suggest that the
typical nature of everyday situations depicted in idioms, along with their stereotypical
or "standard" characteristics and figurative foundations, transform them into symbols
of cultural language: they acquire a conventional, standard, or symbolic meaning. [3,
21] Phraseology is known as the science that studies the origin and structure of
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idiomatic expressions. Therefore, the study and use of phraseology occupies a special
place in any language, as it is closely linked to syntax and word formation. Features
such as stability of composition, consistency in the lexical structure, and
reproducibility can be used to identify the strict word order of phraseological
constructions. Therefore, idiomatic expressions are distinct combinations of words
that, in their usage, form a complete and unified meaning. They are typically
untranslatable into other languages and require replacement with expressions of a
similar stylistic tone when translated. [8, 48]
It should be noted that these expressions reflect concepts such as work,
everyday life, culture, traditions, customs, and the mentality of the speakers of the
language. In particular, when considering the cultural aspect of idiomatic expressions,
one can study and familiarize oneself with the history and development of a specific
country. Therefore, it can be concluded that the main feature of an idiomatic
expression is its national character. A vast number of expressions can be found in the
works of world-class English literature authors such as W. Shakespeare, J. Milton, J.
Swift, and many others.
It is widely recognized that both the Russian and English languages contain
numerous proverbs and idiomatic expressions that were formed by earlier generations
and have evolved over time, mirroring the history, traditions, and way of life of the
Russian and English peoples. The following examples illustrate the distinctive
features of these two great cultures:
Christmas comes but once a year
- He все коту масленица
To have one's cake and eat it
- И волки сыты, и овцы целы
A drop in the bucket
- Капля в море
То kill two birds with one stone
– Убить двух зайцев
When analyzing idiomatic expressions, it has been observed that they are quite
frequently used in everyday speech. For example, idiomatic combinations from the
popular work of L. Carroll "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" can be presented as
examples:
То smile like a Cheshire cat
- Улыбаться до ушей
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Mad as a hatter
- Сойти с ума, помешаться [4, 336]
It is important to highlight that many idioms in both English and Russian are
related to animals. If translated word for word, they may seem nonsensical, which is
why it is advisable to learn the entire expressions. This helps expand vocabulary when
studying idiomatic phrases. A comparison of these idioms suggests that the same
animals are not always used in Russian and English to express similar meanings.
Therefore, memorization is crucial when learning most idioms, as their literal
translation can be confusing and hard to grasp. For example:
"A cock-and-bull story"
– this idiom does not mean that a chicken and a bull
made up a story. It refers to a story that is too far-fetched or unbelievable. The Russian
equivalent of this idiom is "курам на смех" (literally, "for the chickens to laugh at").
"A dead duck"
– this expression does not refer to any tragic event. The literal
translation is simply "a dead duck." In Russian, it translates as "гиблое дело" (a lost
cause).
"A rabbit’s foot"
– "Заячья лапка" is just a good luck charm.
"A cat burglar"
–in Russian, it is referred to as "форточник," meaning a
thief who enters houses through windows or small openings.
When discussing the characteristics of English idiomatic expressions, it is
clear that the structure of the English language plays a significant role in shaping
complex idiomatic phrases. This is evident in how individual idiomatic units are
condensed into single words. As a result, the English language is especially known
for the lexicalization of idiomatic expressions, where the merging of lexical meanings
leads to the phrase taking on a broader nominative role.
cup of tea («чашка чая») - особа; субъект;
an old cup of tea – старушка;
an unpleasant cup of tea - неприятный человек;
а storm in a teacup - Буря в стакане воды и т. д. [7, 240]
Idioms can appear in the form of idiomatic words and idiomatic word
combinations. Due to their stability, idiomatic word combinations are related to words
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by various criteria and are integrated with them into the lexical-phraseological system
of any language. This includes the presence of semantic integrity in idiomatic
combinations, which means their structural-semantic unmotivatedness according to
the pattern of non-reinterpreted word combinations, semantic discreteness, a special
organization of their phonetic and grammatical form based on the principle of
repetition, as well as the fact that idioms designate constant semantic units – concepts
that are stable within the framework of a given culture. [4, 23]
In conclusion, proficiency in a foreign language is undeniably important in
the life of every modern individual, and it can be acquired through various methods.
The most effective approach is immersion in the language environment, where
learners can engage directly with native speakers. This experience allows students to
enhance their language skills through real-world communication, while also gaining
insight into the culture and daily life of the people who use the language. To truly
master a foreign language and communicate effectively, it is essential to become
fluent in conversational speech, which often includes idiomatic expressions that are
crucial for understanding and using the language proficiently.
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