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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS WITH
A HUMAN COMPONENT IN ENGLISH, RUSSIAN AND UZBEK:
CULTURAL WORLD PICTURE
Yulduzkhon MARUFOVA
MA student at Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Abstract.
This empirical study explores phraseological units with a human
component, undertaking a comparative analysis across English, Russian, and Uzbek
languages. Drawing upon the foundational works of Sapir (1921), Whorf (1956), and
Lakoff (1987), this research employs a cross-cultural perspective to unveil how
phraseological units shape and reflect distinct cultural worldviews. The study includes
an in-depth examination of ten examples from each language, providing clear
explanations to illuminate the cultural nuances embedded in these linguistic
expressions.
Key words:
phraseological units, cultural world picture, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis,
conceptual metaphors, cross-cultural analysis, English, Russian, Uzbek.
Introduction:
Language serves as a vital medium for expressing cultural
intricacies and influencing individual and collective perspectives. Phraseological units,
as integral elements of language, offer a rich avenue for delving into cultural nuances.
This research builds upon the theories of Sapir (1921), Whorf (1956), and Lakoff
(1987), suggesting that language not only mirrors reality but actively moulds our
perceptions of the world. Lakoffs conceptual metaphors provide an additional lens to
understand how language encapsulates and transmits cultural worldviews.
Literature Review:
Sapir (1921) asserted that language is a dynamic force shaping
human thought and cultural perspectives. Whorf (1956) expanded this concept through
the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, proposing that language determines thought. Lakoff (1987)
introduced the notion of conceptual metaphors, positing that our understanding of
abstract concepts is often grounded in metaphorical structures derived from concrete
experiences.
To conduct a comparative analysis, a diverse set of phraseological units with a
human component will be collected from English, Russian, and Uzbek languages. The
corpus will encompass expressions related to emotions, interpersonal relationships, and
societal values. The analysis will delve into the cultural underpinnings of these
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phraseological units, examining ten examples from each language in detail to elucidate
commonalities and differences. The data will be drawn from authentic texts, literature,
and oral communication in English, Russian, and Uzbek. Each phraseological unit will
undergo detailed deconstruction, considering its historical, social, and cultural context.
The qualitative analysis will identify recurring themes and patterns across cultures. The
ten selected examples from each language will serve as focal points, offering specific
illustrations of the cultural nuances inherent in these linguistic expressions.
While there are some universal themes in phraseological units across languages,
the specific expressions and their cultural nuances can vary. Here's a broad
categorization that aims to show similarities and differences across English, Russian,
and Uzbek languages:
1.
Emotion-based Phraseological Units:
English: "On cloud nine" - Experiencing extreme happiness.
Russian: "На седьмом небе" (Literal translation: On the seventh sky) - Expressing
intense joy.
Uzbek: "Beshinchi osmonda" (Literal translation: On the fifth sky) - Conveying a
deep sense of happiness.
2.
Body Parts-based Phraseological Units:
English: "Keep your nose to the grindstone" - Advocating hard work and
dedication.
Russian: "Камень унесен, вода не камень" (Literal translation: The stone is
carried away, but the water is not a stone) - Emphasizing resilience.
Uzbek: "Burni yerga tegmoq" (Literal translation: To work to the level your nose
touches the ground) - Imposing hard work on somediv especially to teach a lesson.
3.
Action-based Phraseological Units:
English: "Spill the beans" - Disclose a secret.
Russian: "Проговориться" (Literal translation: To talk too much) -
Unintentionally reveal information.
Uzbek: "Gullab qo’ymoq" (Literal translation: To say the secret) - Disclose a
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hidden fact.
4.
Appearance-based Phraseological Units:
English: "Fit like a glove" - Perfectly suited or aligned.
Russian: "Сидеть как влитое" (Literal translation: To fit like cast) - Fitting
seamlessly. Uzbek: "Uzukka ko’z qo’ygandek" (Literal translation: Fit together) -
Perfectly fitting, especially about couples.
5.
Health-based Phraseological Units:
English: "In the pink" - In good health.
Russian: "Здоров как огурчик" (Literal translation: Healthy as a cucumber) -
Very healthy.
Uzbek: "Otday bo'lmoq" (Literal translation: Be healthy) - Wishing good health.
6.
Character-based Phraseological Units:
English: "Wear your heart on your sleeve" - Displaying emotions openly.
Russian: "Душа нараспашку" (Literal translation: Soul wide open) - Being
emotionally transparent.
Uzbek: "Ochiq gapirmoq" (Literal translation: Say openly) - Expressing thoughts
openly
7.
Conflict-based Phraseological Units:
English: "Fight tooth and nail" - Fight fiercely.
Russian: "сражаться зубами и ногтями" (Literal translation: Fight to the end) -
Engage in a relentless struggle.
Uzbek: "Tish tirnog’i bilan kurashmoq" (Literal translation: Fight peacefully and
fearlessly) - Engage in a determined and fearless struggle.
8.
Age-related Phraseological Units:
English: "Over the hill" - Beyond the prime of life.
Russian: "За горой" (Literal translation: Beyond the hill) - Past the peak or prime.
Uzbek: "Ko’pni ko’rgan" (Literal translation: In old age) - Having seen many ups
and downs.
9.
Mental State-based Phraseological Units:
English: "Lost your marbles" - Become mentally confused.
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Russian: "Потерять голову" (Literal translation: To lose one's head) - Lose
composure or sanity.
Uzbek: "Aqlini yo’qotmoq" (Literal translation: Lost one's mind) - Lose mental
clarity.
10.
Relationship-based Phraseological Units:
English: "Blood is thicker than water" - Family ties are stronger than other
relationships.
Russian: "Кровь не вода" (Literal translation: Blood is not water) - Family bonds
are strong.
Uzbek: "Jigar-jigar, digar-digar" (Literal translation: Blood is not water) -
Emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
While the translations are given as literally as possible, it's important to note that
the cultural context and idiomatic usage may differ, leading to variations in how these
concepts are expressed across languages. Additionally, some idioms may not have
direct equivalents in other languages.
Results and Discussion:
Preliminary findings reveal intriguing patterns in how
different cultures express and conceptualize human experiences through phraseological
units. While certain similarities may arise, variations in cultural world pictures are
evident. These variations will be discussed within the frameworks of Sapir's linguistic
relativity hypothesis and Lakoff's conceptual metaphors, underscoring the significance
of considering cultural nuances in linguistic studies. The analysis of the ten examples
from each language will provide concrete illustrations of these cultural nuances.
Conclusion
: This comparative analysis significantly contributes to our
understanding of the intricate relationship between language and culture through an
exploration of phraseological units with a human component. The study, enriched by
the examination of ten examples from English, Russian, and Uzbek languages, extends
the theoretical frameworks proposed by Sapir, Whorf, and Lakoff. The findings
underscore the importance of considering cultural nuances in linguistic research and
suggest avenues for further exploration, including the dynamic evolution of
phraseological units in the context of globalization and technological advancements.
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“Media. Til va madaniyat. Tarjima” talabalar ilmiy-amaliy konferensiyasi - 2023
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