THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
137
METAPHORICAL SOMATISMS IN UZBEK AND ENGLISH:
LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL INTERPRETATION
Yoqutxon Raxmonqulova To'xtasin qizi
Termez University of Economics and Service
E-mail: yoqutxonraxmonqulova444@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14868527
Abstract
This paper examines metaphorical somatisms in Uzbek and English,
focusing on their linguistic structures and cultural implications. Somatisms,
expressions that include div-part terms, are widely used in both languages to
convey abstract meanings. This study explores the similarities and differences in
their formation, syntactic structures, and cultural connotations. The findings
highlight the role of historical, social, and cognitive factors in shaping
metaphorical somatisms in these languages.
Keywords:
Metaphorical Somatisms, Somatic Phraseology, Body Part
Metaphors, Cognitive Linguistics, Linguistic Worldview, Culture-Specific
Metaphors, Comparative Linguistics, Idiomatic Expressions, Uzbek Language,
English Language, Ethnolinguistics, Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Cross-Cultural
Analysis, Figurative Language
Introduction
Metaphorical somatisms are an integral part of linguistic expression in
many languages. They involve the use of div-part terms to convey figurative
meanings beyond their literal senses. In Uzbek and English, such expressions are
deeply rooted in cultural traditions and cognitive perceptions. This study aims
to analyze the structure and semantics of metaphorical somatisms in both
languages and to investigate how cultural factors influence their usage.
Methodology
This research employs a comparative linguistic approach, analyzing a
corpus of metaphorical somatisms in Uzbek and English. Data were collected
from dictionaries, literature, and spoken language sources. The analysis focuses
on syntactic structures, semantic fields, and cultural contexts in which these
expressions are used.
Results and Discussion
Structural Characteristics
In both Uzbek and English, somatisms follow regular syntactic patterns,
often involving possessive constructions (e.g., "hand of fate" in English, "taqdir
qo‘li" in Uzbek).
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
138
Some expressions exhibit direct word-for-word equivalence, while others
differ due to grammatical constraints or idiomatic usage.
Semantic and Conceptual Similarities
Certain div parts are commonly associated with emotions and mental
states in both languages (e.g., "heart" for emotions: "big-hearted" in English vs.
"katta yurakli" in Uzbek).
Somatisms involving the head often relate to intelligence and thought
processes (e.g., "use one's head" in English vs. "boshini ishlatmoq" in Uzbek).
Cultural and Contextual Differences
Some metaphorical somatisms are culture-specific. For instance, Uzbek has
expressions tied to traditional customs (e.g., "qo‘l berib ko‘rishmoq" – symbolic
of respect and greeting), whereas English has idioms derived from historical and
literary sources (e.g., "cold feet" – fear of commitment).
Differences in religious and societal values influence the connotations of
certain somatisms. In Uzbek, expressions involving the eye often signify
admiration or protection, whereas in English, they may emphasize scrutiny or
jealousy (e.g., "evil eye").
Conclusion
Metaphorical somatisms in Uzbek and English reveal both universal
cognitive tendencies and culture-specific variations. While certain expressions
share structural and semantic parallels, cultural factors significantly shape their
meanings and usage. This study underscores the importance of metaphorical
language in cross-cultural communication and linguistic relativity.
References:
1.
Lakoff, G., and Johnson, M. Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of
Chicago Press, 1980.
2.
Kövecses, Z. Metaphor: A Practical Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University
Press, 2002.
3.
Dobrovolsky, D., and Piirainen, E. Figurative Language: Cross-cultural and
Cross-linguistic Perspectives. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2005.
4.
Barcelona, A. Metaphor and Metonymy at the Crossroads: A Cognitive
Perspective. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, 2003.
5.
Gibbs, R. W. The Poetics of Mind: Figurative Thought, Language, and
Understanding. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
6.
Kodir, A. Linguistic and Cultural Aspects of Uzbek Idioms. – Tashkent:
Tashkent State University Press, 2015.
7.
Moon R. Fixed Expressions and Idioms in English: A Corpus-Based
Approach. – Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
139
8.
Nurmatov B. Cognitive Aspects of Uzbek Metaphors. – Samarkand:
Samarkand University Press, 2017.
9.
Yusupov U. Languagе and Culturе: A Study of Mеtaphors in thе Uzbеk
Languagе. – Tashkеnt: National Еncyclopеdia of Uzbеkistan, 2019.
10.
Mamajonova D. Mеtaphor and its stylistic fеaturеs in Uzbеk languagе. -
Tashkеnt: Sciеncе and Tеchnology, 2015.
