68
ON THE ISSUE BESET WITH SEMANTICO-FUNCTIONAL PECULIARITIES
OF THE TAJIK MODAL PARTICLE
SHOYAD
AND ITS ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS
Ashrapov Bahodurjon Pulotovich,
candidate of philological sciences,
senior lecturer of the Khujand state university
named after academician Bobojon Gafurov
Tajikistan Republic, Khujand
Beknazarova Mokhia Kenzhaevna,
assistant of the Department of languages of the Samarkand state medical university
Annotation.
The given article dwells on comparative analysis of semantico-functional
peculiarities of the Tajik modal particle shoyad and its English equivalents. The conducted
comparative analysis discloses that the Tajik modal particle shoyad consistently bears a sense of
possibility, uncertainty, or speculation. Thus, the adduced examples and facts reveals the rich and
multifaceted feature of modal expression in the compared languages. While shoyad serves as a
multifunctional modal particle in Tajik, however, a wide range of grammatical means to achieve
similar semantico-pragmatic properties are utilized in English.
Keywords.
Comparative analysis, translation, modal particle shoyad morphological
peculiarities, modality expression.
TOJIKCHA MODAL ZARRACHA
SHOYAD
VA INGLIZ TILIDAGI
EKVIVVALENTLARINING SEMANTIKO-FUNKSIONAL XUSUSIYATLARI
MASALASI HAQIDA
Ashrapov Bahodurjon Pulotovich,
filologiya fanlari nomzodi, Akademik Bobojon G‘ofurov nomidagi
Xo‘jand davlat universiteti katta o‘qituvchisi
Tojikiston Respublikasi, Xo‘jand sh.
Beknazarova Moxiya Kenjaevna,
Samarqand davlat tibbiyot universiteti tillar kafedrasi assistenti
Annotatsiya.
Ushbu maqolada tojikcha modal zarracha shoyad va uning inglizcha
ekvivalentlarining semantik-funksional xususiyatlarining qiyosiy tahliliga to‘xtalib o‘tiladi. O‘tkazilgan
qiyosiy tahlil shuni ko‘rsatadiki, tojikcha modal zarracha shoyad doimiy ravishda ehtimollik, noaniqlik
yoki taxmin hissini o‘z ichiga oladi. Demak, keltirilayotgan misol va faktlar qiyosiy tillardagi modal
ifodaning boy va serqirra xususiyatini ochib beradi. Shoyad tojik tilida koʻp funksiyali modal zarra
boʻlib xizmat qilsa-da, ingliz tilida oʻxshash semantik-pragmatik xususiyatlarga erishish uchun keng
grammatik vositalardan foydalaniladi.
Kalit so‘zlar.
Qiyosiy tahlil, tarjima, modal zarracha shoyad morfologik o‘ziga xosliklar,
modallik ifodasi.
TACİK MODAL PARÇACIK
ŞOYAD’IN
VE İNGİLİZCE EŞDEĞERLERİNİN
SEMANTİK-İŞLEVSEL ÖZELLİKLERİ KONUSUNDA
Ashrapov Bahodurjon Pulotovich,
filoloji bilimleri adayı, Akademik Bobojon Gafurov adına
Hocand devlet üniversitesi kıdemli öğretmeni
Tacikistan Cumhuriyeti, Hocend şehri
69
Beknazarova Mokhia Kenjaevna
,
Semerkand devlet tıp üniversitesi Dil bölümü asistanı
Özet.
Verilen makale, Tacik modal parçacığı şoyad’ın ve İngilizce eşdeğerlerinin semantik-
işlevsel özelliklerinin karşılaştırmalı analizi üzerinde durmaktadır. Yapılan karşılaştırmalı analiz, Tacik
modal parçacığı şoyad’ın sürekli olarak bir olasılık, belirsizlik veya spekülasyon duygusu taşıdığını
ortaya koymaktadır. Dolayısıyla, sunulan örnekler ve gerçekler, karşılaştırılan dillerdeki modal
ifadenin zengin ve çok yönlü özelliğini ortaya koymaktadır. Şoyad’ın, Tacik dilinde çok işlevli bir modal
parçacık olarak hizmet ederken, İngilizcede benzer semantik-pragmatik özelliklere ulaşmak için çok
çeşitli dilbilgisi araçları kullanılmaktadır.
Anahtar kelimeler.
Karşılaştırmalı analiz, çeviri, modal parçacık şoyad’ın morfolojik
özellikleri, modalite ifadesi.
К ВОПРОСУ О СЕМАНТИКО-ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫХ ОСОБЕННОСТЯХ
ТАДЖИКСКОЙ МОДАЛЬНОЙ ЧАСТИЦЫ ШОЯД И ЕЕ АНГЛИЙСКИХ
ЭКВИВАЛЕНТОВ
Ашрапов Баходурджон Пулотович,
кандидат филологических наук, старший преподаватель
Худжандский государственный университетa имени академика Бободжона Гафурова
Республика Таджикистан, г. Худжанд
Бекназарова Мохия Кенжаевна,
ассистент кафедры языков Самаркандского государственного
медицинского университета
Аннотация
. В данной статье рассматривается сопоставительный анализ семантико-
функциональных особенностей таджикской модальной частицы шояд и ее английских
эквивалентов. Проведенный сопоставительный анализ показывает, что таджикская
модальная частица шояд неизменно несет смысл возможности, неопределенности или
предположения. Таким образом, приведенные примеры и факты раскрывают богатую и
многогранную особенность модального выражения в сравниваемых языках. В то время как в
таджикском языке шояд выступает в качестве многофункциональной модальной частицы, в
английском языке используется широкий спектр грамматических средств для достижения
схожих семантико-прагматических свойств.
Ключевые слова.
сравнительный анализ, перевод, модальная частица шояд, семантико-
функциональных особенности, выражение модальности.
1. Introduction.
Particles are considered to be ones of the auxiliary parts of speech serving
to give various shades of meaning to a sentence (Ashrapov, 2022), or its individual members “as a
means of expression of the spirit of language creating its freshness, accurateness, concise and deep
reflection. In general, they play an important role in the people`s spiritual life” (Kosimova, 2003).
Particles are classified as a distinct part of speech standing alongside nouns, verbs, adjectives, and
adverbs. However, their functional margins are often unclear, and their roles can overlap
considerably with those of adverbs, conjunctions, and even interjections. This inherent flexibility
and multifaceted nature make particles a particularly intriguing area of linguistic inquiry (Khalilov,
1977; Zhang, 2020).
The purpose
of the study is to conduct the comparative analysis of semantico-functional
peculiarities of the Tajik modal particle
shoyad
and its English equivalents.
2. Materials and methods:
70
While conducting the comparative analysis, we have resorted to
“Temur Malik – Tajik
People`s Hero. Muqanna`s Rebellion”
translated into English and introduced by Professor
Abdusalom Mamadnazarov (2022), and adduced the appropriate examples out of the above-
mentioned source in order to bring certain thoughts and proofs. The chosen source depicts different
historical events and the history of Tajik literary language (TLL) and is worthy of the comparative
analysis of semantico-functional peculiarities of the Tajik modal particle
shoyad
. The relevant
is
occurred
8 instances
in the corpus of our study.
The study canvasses the comparative analysis of semantico-functional peculiarities of the Tajik
modal particle
shoyad
and its English equivalents focusing on its dynamic nature, semantical features
and the interplay of diverse mechanisms. The relevant approach purposes to comprehensively analyze
shoyad
by comparing its function and usage to equivalent structures in English. The theme explored
highlights the observations and considerations on a multi-faceted, data-driven methods.
3. Main results:
The conducted comparative analysis of semantico-functional peculiarities of the Tajik modal
particle
shoyad
and its English equivalents in
“Temur Malik – Tajik People`s Hero. Muqanna`s
Rebellion”
(2022)
reveals a complex interplay of expressive elements that significantly contribute
into the narrative`s affective depth and pragmatic shades. The following examples adduce the
diverse range of the particle
shoyad
presented by Aini, its respective functions, and their
corresponding interpretations in English. Each example is followed by a detailed scientific analysis.
The relevant study focuses on the Tajik modal particle
shoyad
considering its semantico-functional
and morphological features in comparison with its English equivalents. The Tajik modal particle in
question roughly equivalent to
perhaps
or
maybe
in English expressing possibility and uncertainty
(Mamatov, 2005; Mamadnazarov, 2021).
Hereby, we decided to dwell on some semantico-functional peculiarities of the modal
particle
shoyad
in comparison with its English equivalents based on the following examples. In its
turn, the former in question offers an element of doubt, conjecture, or hypothetical thinking into the
sentence indicating the proposition being presented is not a confirmed fact, but rather a potential
scenario, a hopeful outcome, or a considered possibility as well.
Example 1:
Tajik:
Agar mo dar in jo jumlai “daromadi hukumat”-ro be ezoh guzorem,
shoyad
khonandagon gumon kunand
, ki dar on vaqto ham khazinai davlati boshad va hukmdoron moli on
khazinaro ba masorifi shakhsii khud sarf nakarda, tanho ba korhoi umumii mamlakat sarf mekarda
boshand -
English:
The income of the government requires explanation
, to prevent readers from
thinking that
in those years, the ruler`s officials would deposit this income into a state treasury,
where government officials could not use it for their private benefit, but only for the benefit of the
common interests of the country (Mamadnazarov, 2022, p.15).
In the first example, the modal particle under study participates as an epistemic modal
marker presenting a hypothetical scenario that exists in the realm of possibility. So, in this case, the
former in question doesn’t express the speaker`s personal belief or doubt, but rather presents a
potential thought process that readers
might
engage in. It is not resorted to show the possibility, but
to prevent the possible misunderstanding, which can occur. The meaning of the sentence will be
“I
explain it because readers may misunderstand the point”
(adduced by the author). The shade of
meaning of the relevant particle involves the entire clause that follows:
“khonandagon gumon
kunand...” (readers might think...)
. Here,
shoyad
adjusts the proposition casting it as a possible
rather than a factual statement.
Example 2:
Tajik:
Aknun, ki Movarounnahr az dast raft,
shoyad Khurosonro
az hujumi dushmani
khunkhor
nigoh dorem
–
English:
Now that Mavarannahr has been lost, we
might be able to defend
Khorasan
from the invasion of the bloody enemy (Mamadnazarov, 2022, p.30).
In the above-mentioned sentence, the particle under study is used as an epistemic modal
marker expressing a degree of possibility regarding the successful defense of Khorasan.
Shoyad
71
indicates that the speaker considers this outcome achievable but not certain. There`s a sense of hope
intertwined with an acknowledgment of the challenging circumstances. The semantic scope of
shoyad
extends over the entire clause
“Khurosonro...nigoh dorem”
(we will defend Khorasan).
Here, this particle modulates the proposition transforming it from a definitive statement into a
hopeful aspiration.
Example 3:
Tajik:
Jangovaron, ki yak qaiq tillovu tanga girifta omadani uro muntazir budand, bo didani
in yak khaltachai nazarnogir dar taajjub aftodand va dar dili khud guzarondand, ki
shoyad dar
daruni in khaltacha almos
, yo sanghoi purqimati digar boshad, ki ba yak khiroqi mamlakat
mearzida
boshad
-
English:
The warriors who were waiting for Temur Malik to bring a whole boat
of gold and coins, saw only a little, tiny bag.
They wondered what precious treasure could fit in that
small bag
, something like diamonds or precious stones, that would equal in value the budget of a
country (Mamadnazarov, 2022, p.54).
In this context,
shoyad
participates as an epistemic modal marker introducing a speculative
thought or hypothesis. It indicates that the presence of diamonds (or other precious stones) inside
the bag is a possibility being considered, not a confirmed fact. This particle reflects the internal
thought process of the warriors, who are trying to make sense of the situation. The semantic scope
of
shoyad
involves the entire clause
“dar daruni in khaltacha almos... boshad” (inside this small
bag are diamonds...).
It casts the proposition as a conjecture rather than a definite assertion.
Example 4:
Tajik:
Temurmalik ham ba tarafi Khorazm rohsipor gardid, ki
shoyad az on jo ba muqobili
chingiziyon muborizai nave tashkil namoyad
-
English:
Temur Malik continued travelling towards
Khorazm,
where he thought he could organize a new army
to resist the Mongols (Mamadnazarov,
2022, p.60).
In this instance,
shoyad
is used as a modal marker expressing a future possibility tinged with
hope and intention. This particle indicates that Temur Malik`s plan to organize a new resistance
from that location is not a certainty but a desired outcome that he deems possible, and reflects his
strategic thinking and determination in the face of adversity.
The semantic scope of
shoyad
encompasses the clause “
az on jo ba muqobili chingiziyon muborizai nave tashkil namoyad” (from
there... he will organize a new struggle/resistance)
. It modifies the proposition casting it as a
hopeful aspiration rather than a definite prediction.
Example 5:
Tajik:
U dar holate, ki dilash bo otashi ghazab shulavar shuda bud, ba suyi poytakhti
Khorazm, ki dar on vaqto poytakhti Eron, Khuroson va Movarounnahr ham on jo bud, ravon shud,
ki
shoyad az on jo baroi dili alammanzili khud tasalloye yobad
-
English:
In this condition, his
heart burning with fury, he started moving towards the capital of Khorazm, which in those days also
represented the capital of Iran, Khorasan and Mavarannahr.
He hoped that he could find something
there to calm down his heart
(Mamadnazarov, 2022, p.61).
Here,
shoyad
is resorted to as a modal marker expressing a desire or hope for a future
outcome – finding solace. It indicates that this outcome is not guaranteed but is a possibility that the
subject (he) is clinging to, and reflects an emotional state, highlighting the character’s vulnerability
and longing for relief.
The semantic scope of
shoyad
includes the entire clause
“az on jo baroi dili
alammanzili khud tasalloye yobad” (from there he will find some solace for his anguished heart)
. It
modifies the proposition, transforming it from a statement of fact into an expression of hope.
Morphologically, the contrast persists: in Tajik, an invariable particle is used, while in
English, a combination of a past tense verb and a modal verb to bear a similar meaning. This
example underscores how
shoyad
can be used to express not just a neutral possibility but also a
deeply felt desire or hope for a particular outcome. The English translation successfully conveys
this emotional dimension by making the hope explicit through the verb
hoped
.
Example 6:
72
Tajik:
Temurmalik bo shunidani in hikoyati purvahshoniyat Sulton Muhammad va modari u
Turkonhotunro dar qatori chingiziyon guzoshta ba hamai onho yakjoya laʿnat va nafrat firistod va
ba`d az nigohubin karda ba quvvat ovardani on odam uro hamrohi khud girifta ba roh daromad, ki
shoyad dar yagon joy kore karda tavonad
–
English:
While hearing this savage story, Temur Malik
put Sultan Muhammad and his mother Turkankhatun among the Mongols, and sent curses and
hatred to all of them. He took care of this man, and as soon as the man recovered, they left on a
journey together,
so that somewhere he could do something
(Mamadnazarov, 2022, p.63).
Hence, the relevant modal particle is resorted to as a modal marker expressing a desire or
hope intertwined with a sense of agency. In this regard, it indicates that the ability to
do something
is not a certainty but a desired outcome that the subject is actively seeking. This particle reflects a
proactive stance, a willingness to find an opportunity to act. In this case, the meaning of
shoyad
is
close to the meaning of
I hope that.
The semantic scope of
shoyad
covers the entire clause
“dar
yagon joy kore karda tavonad” (somewhere he will be able to do something).
It modifies the
proposition, casting it as a desired possibility rather than a definite outcome.
Example 7:
Tajik:
Pisari Temurmalik yak vaqt az khob bedor shuda did, ki padrash dar joyi khobash
nest. Avval “
shoyad u baroi yozidan berun baromada boshad
” gufta, qadre nigaron shud. Vakte ki
u ba zudi bargashta naomad, baroi khabargiri berun baromad -
English:
When Temur Malik’s son
woke up, he saw that his father was not in his bed. First,
he waited for some time to think
.
When his
father did not return, after a while he came out of the hut, but could not find his father around the
hut (Mamadnazarov, 2022, p.75).
In the above-adduced sentence,
shoyad
functionates as an epistemic modal marker
introducing a possible explanation or hypothesis for the father`s absence. It reflects the son’s initial
thought process as he tries to make sense of the situation, and indicates uncertainty and a tentative
conclusion based on limited information. The semantic scope of
shoyad
encompasses the entire
clause
“u baroi yozidan berun baromada boshad” (he went out to stretch).
It casts the proposition
as a conjecture rather than a confirmed fact.
Example 8:
Tajik:
Bar boloi balandiho az teppahoe, ki dar rohash rost meomadand, baromada ba har
taraf nazar meandokht, ki
shoyad az gumkardai khud nishonae yobad
. Chun chisero namedid, boz
dar rohi khud shitob mekard -
English:
He would climb up the hills and heights on his way, and
looked around,
so that he might find his lost father
. As long as he could not see any. thing, he would
continue his travelling (Mamadnazarov, 2022, p.76).
In reference to it,
shoyad
is used as an epistemic modal marker expressing a hopeful
possibility, a wish, or a desired outcome. At the same time, it indicates that finding a trace of his
lost father is not a certainty but a hoped-for event. The function leans more towards expressing a
desire or expectation rather than a neutral assessment of probability.
The semantic scope of
shoyad
covers the entire clause
“az gumkardai khud nishonae yobad” (he will find a trace of his lost one)
.
This clause is presented as something desired and considered possible, not as a statement of fact.
4. Discussion:
4.1 On Semantico-Functional Analysis:
Overall, the adduced examples collectively demonstrate that
shoyad
consistently
functionates as a multipurpose epistemological modal particle expressing a range of meanings beset
with possibility, uncertainty, speculation, hope, and intention. While it makes parallel broadly with
the essential meaning of English
perhaps, maybe,
and
possibly,
its precise interpretation is vastly
context-dependent.
4.2 Key Semantic and Pragmatic Functions of
shoyad
:
Expressing Neutral Possibility:
in certain cases, the modal particle
shoyad
simply shows that
something is possible, without strongly emphasizing the speaker`s belief or doubt (e.g., Example 8,
where it expresses the possibility of finding a trace).
73
Introducing Speculation or Hypothesis:
hence, the former in question often presents a
speculative thought, a conjecture, or a hypothesis based on available information or logical
deduction (e.g., Example 3, where it reflects the warriors` speculation about the contents of the
bag).
Conveying Hope, Desire, or Intention:
shoyad
can express a desired outcome, a hope for the
future, or an intention to act in a certain way. Such kind of function often intertwines with the
expression of possibility creating a sense of hopeful anticipation or determination (e.g., Examples 2,
4, 5, and 6).
Reflecting Internal Thought Processes:
in narrative contexts, the particle under study can be
resorted to reveal a character`s internal thoughts, beliefs, or reasoning processes (e.g., Example 7,
where it introduces a possible explanation for the father`s absence, although this was not adequately
reflected in the initial translation).
Rhetorical Device:
so, it can be inferred from the examples, that
shoyad
also functionates as
a rhetorical device to prevent misunderstanding (Example 1).
5. Conclusion:
Adducing the results of the conducted comparative analysis beset with the theme explored
one can come to the conclusion the above-mentioned examples and facts reveals the rich and
multifaceted feature of modal expression in the compared languages. While
shoyad
serves as a
multipurpose modal particle in Tajik, however, a wide range of grammatical means to achieve
similar semantico-pragmatic properties are utilized in English. The corpus of our study highlights
the challenges of cross-linguistic translation, particularly when dwelling on nuanced notions, like
modality. The findings underscore the importance of the consideration of the particle in question,
not just the literal meaning of words, but also their pragmatic implications, their role in the
determination of narrative perspective, and their contribution to the overall communicative effect.
This profound semantico-functional analysis of this particle offers a deeper understanding of the
intricacies of modal expression in Tajik and English.
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