CC BY
6Cross-cultural analysis of the paleonym "pearl"
Maftuna Boboyorovna Turaeva maftunaboboyorovna@gmail. com Uzbekistan State University of World Languages
Abstract: The article discusses the paleonym "pearl" as it is understood in different cultures. References to specific cultural contexts or traditions are identified in which the pearl has particular significance. This might include references to mythology, folklore, or religious traditions. The article highlights similarities and differences in cultural attitudes toward the word "pearl". This involves identifying cultural practices or beliefs related to the use, ownership, or symbolism of pearls, and comparing these practices across different cultures.
Keywords: concept, notional, image-bearing, evaluative, paleonyms
Introduction. Cross-cultural studies, also known comparative studies, is a subfield of anthropology as well as related fields like sociology, psychology, economics, and political science that uses comparative research to examine the range of human behavior and test cultural and behavioral hypotheses.
The third type of cross-cultural comparisons is cross-cultural studies. Comparisons within a sample of cases, controlled comparisons among different iterations of a common derivation, and case study comparisons are the first, second, and third. Cross-cultural studies, as opposed to comparative studies, which focus on similar attributes of a small number of societies, use a sizable sample to enable statistical examination of the correlations, or lack thereof, between the traits under consideration. In this work, I will give a cross-cultural analysis of the concept "Pearl" and compare it in English and Uzbek. Before illustrating its analysis, I prefer to describe what is concept in Linguistics.
Literature review. Some academics distinguish between two alternative conceptual approaches. Concept, according to E.S.Kubryakova, is an umbrella phrase for a number of scientific fields. In terms of cognitive psychology and cognitive linguistics, it is all about cognition, storing, and transforming information, whereas in cultural linguistics, the focus is on the connections between language and culture. (T.1996).[1] A cultural idea, according to D.U.Ashurova, is a culturally specific and nationally focused unit that is composed of layers of conceptual, image-bearing, and evaluative layers and is distinguished by emotive, expressive elements and associative connections. [2]
Although we separate these two methods for describing this concept, neither method is exclusive (Karasik, 2004, p.135). According to Karasik, while the cultural
concept is a component of the collective cultural experience and becomes the individual's cultural property, the idea as a mental unit in the individual's mind grants access to the concept of the society. [3]
The idea structure is a different but no less significant faculty of inquiry in the theory of concepts. Many academics have suggested various conceptual structuring methods. While other people suggest different types of structures, Yu.S.Stepanov explains a "layered" structure of conceptions (main, inner) (R.M.Frumkina - core, periphery; Z.D.Popova and I.A.Sternin-image, informative field, interpretational field). On outlining the structure of conceptions, V.I.Karasik (2001, 2004), G.Slyshkin (2001), S.G.Vorkachyov (2004, 2007), and others are in agreement. They assert that the three elements listed below make up the structure of concepts: Notional (facts from dictionary definitions); Image-bearing (metaphors based on the analogy principle); Evaluative (evaluation and the behavioral norms, axiological and cultural aspects of the concept). In spite of certain variations in how concepts are laid down, their core ideas are somewhat similar. Concepts can be thought of as composed of a certain notional nucleus and a few more parts as a generalization of the information provided above. As an illustration of how to define concepts, let us look at the notional, image-bearing, and evaluative structure of the paleonym "Pearl". The primary elements or qualities listed in dictionary definitions can be a part of a hypothetical framework.
For example, the concept Pearl in the notional part can have these definitional meanings in English:
As a noun,
1. A smooth, lustrous, variously colored mass, chiefly of calcium carbonate, formed around a grain of sand or other foreign matter inside the shell of certain bivalve mollusks and valued as a gem.
2. A bead resembling one of these masses.
3. Something small and spherical in shape: "pearls of sweat beading on her upper lip" (Katherine Min).
4. One that is highly regarded for its beauty or value.
5. Printing a type size measuring approximately five points.
6. A yellowish white.
As a verb,
The form can be pearl, pearled, pearling, and pearls.
1. to decorate or cover with pearls or beads resembling pearls.
2. to make into the shape or color of pearls.
3. to dive or fish for pearls or pearl-bearing mollusks.
3. to form beads resembling pearls
As an adjective,
1. made of, or set with pearl
2. having the shape or colour of a pearl
These are the definitions in the cite https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Pearl [4]
Turning to the Uzbek language, notional constituent of the concept Pearl goes as follows,
1. Injuning, gavharning yirik turi
2. Bebaho yoki eng yaxshi, a'lo, sara narsalar haqida
3. Qimmatli. sermazmun, chuqur ma'noli so'z yoki she'r haqida
4. Yorug'lik, yog'du
5. Meva, samara, hosil, natija
6. Boylik,davlat, qut-baraka
7. Suv va unga o'xshash tovlanuvchan narsalar (tomchi, shudring, qor uchqunlari)
These meanings are given in the Explanatory Dictionary complied by Javlon Jurayev. [4] In Uzbek the word "Dur/ Marvarid", however cannot be a verb - it can only function as noun
As for image-bearing components, they can be represented by metaphorical linguistic expressions: idioms, word-formation units, proverbs, sayings, quotations, aphorisms and texts. For instance, the image bearing constituents of the concept Pearl includes the following metaphors in English: Paleonyms, also known precious stones, are minerals or rocks that are valued for their beauty, rarity, and durability. Precious stones are typically cut and polished to enhance their brilliance and color, and are often used in jewelry or decorative objects.
Discussion. Analyzing the paleonym "Pearl" as phraseological units, I wanted to compare this word in two languages. For instance, to cast pearls before swine means that people are wasting their time by offering something that is helpful or valuable to someone who does not appreciate or understand it. The phrase originated in the Bible. The homonym of this is to throw pearls in front of pigs. The word pearl has its core meaning in both phraseological units as a precious stone valued as a gem. e.g. Most of the time, playing classical music for high schoolers is like casting pearls before swine. However, every so often a few kids appreciate it.
Likewise, in Uzbek this comes in the use of proverb "Zar qadrini zargar bilar, dur qadrini - savdogar" Here it also means there is no point in asking people to appreciate something, which they do not know the value. In Uzbek, this word comes in its basic meaning as an expensive type of stone.
A pearl of great price means faith in God, and the eternal reward of heaven that comes as a result. The term comes from the Biblical "Parable of the Pearl," used to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. Another meaning of this phrase is by extension, anything of immense and lasting value or importance. e.g. Belief in God is a pearl of
great price - do not renounce it for anything ! Your child's creativity is a pearl of great price. You should do everything you can to nourish and encourage it.
In Uzbek, proverbs Ter to'ksang, dur olasan or Kumushdek ter to'ksang, Gavhardek dur olarsan has similar meaning with a previous PhU described in English. However, they are mostly used to describe the result or the success having after hard work in real world like the latter meaning in English, not in eternal life.
The phrase clutch (one's)/the pearls is to react in a scandalized or mortified manner to once-salacious but now relatively common things, events, situations, etc. In Uzbek, Marvarid igna emas this is the phrase meaning, Pearl's value is not the same like needles, it is more valuable and sacred. e.g. Parents should try not to clutch the pearls every time their teenagers come out of their room dressed outrageously - it only makes them want to push the envelope even further.
My mother would always clutch her pearls whenever I began telling her about a new boyfriend, so eventually I stopped filling her in altogether. Mother of pearl, this collocation is used to describe an iridescent substance that naturally appears in certain mollusk shells. It is a decorative material for items like buttons and jewelry.
The mother of pearl earrings you gave me for my birthday are so beautiful!
Pearl of wisdom is a piece of valuable advice. The phrase is sometimes used sarcastically. Qiz bolaning o'zi go'zal bo'lmasa ham, so'zi dur bo'lsin. In Uzbek it has a dictionary meaning like this Qimmatli, sermazmun, chuqur ma'noli so'z yoki she'r haqida. e.g.The old woman shared her pearls of wisdom with the struggling teen, in the hopes of making him feel better.
Men Navoiy Hamsasining sarg'ish sahifalariga qarab olib yig'lardim, ko'z yoshlarim to'kilib, Navoiy tergan durlarga qorishardi. M. Ismoiliy "Farg'ona tong otguncha". [5]. Qiz so'zlasa, og'zidan dur sochilar yor-yor. "Qo'shiqlar". [6]
Hangomada og'zidan dur sochilibdi "Yusuf va Ahmad" [7]
Pearly whites meaning a person's set of teeth, the phrase used to describe a feature to one's peace the same as in Uzbek Tishlari durdek. Here the word has its dictionary meaning "a yellowish white" in English or "Injuning, gavharning yirik turi" in Uzbek.
Be sure to brush your pearly whites twice a day, or you might end up getting a cavity!
Lablaringdin to ko'rinshim xush-xush inju tishlaring, La'li birla ul duri shahvora oshiq bo'lmisham.
The phrase pearl barley is used to describe barley milled into small, round grains, used in soups. Here the word has a similar meaning "Bebaho yoki eng yaxshi, a'lo, sara". Another collocation in Uzbek is marjondek tizilmoq meaning to line up in an orderly fashion like a jewelry made of pearls, and the collocation marvariddek yaltiramoq is used to express something which shining brightly. According to history
and the myths, pearls are symbolic of wisdom gained through experience, Qiz bolaning o'zi go'zal bo'lmasa ham, so'zi dur bo'lsin, Kasbingga mehringni ber, Tajriba durini ter, Dono durdan a'lo. Pearls are believed to offer protection, as well as attract good luck and wealth.
Sadr Sulaymon navbatdagi tuyasandiq yoniga keldi, avval ohista sandiq yuzini qo'llari bilan siladi, ozgina chang-g'ubor ilashganday bo'ldi. «Oltinga g'ubor ilashadi, ammo yopisha olmaydi! » - dedi va dono fikridan quvonib qo 'ydi. U sekin qopqoqni ko 'tardi. Birdan yerto 'la ichi yorishib ko 'ydi! Yombi va kirpich oltinlarga to 'la sandikdan tashqariga yog 'du otilardi. Hokimning ko 'zlari yashnadi, bor tashvishlarini unutdi. Oltinlarni shuning uchun yaxshi ko 'radi-da u! Oltinlar - kishi farog'ati, oltinlar - dunyoda eng purkuch narsa, boshingga bir ish tushganda xamisha qo'ltig'ingga kiradi, yo'q demaydi, og'rinmaydi, pisanda kilib o'tirmaydi. Sadokatning bundan ortiq namunasi bo'lishi mumkin emas. U befarzand emish!.. Mana, uning farzandlari, sandiqlarda katlanib yotgan duru zabarjad, inju-yu marvarid, tillo-yu zar uning eng yaxshi ko 'rgan o 'g'illari, qizlari bo 'ladir, ha! Mana, unga qayishadigan, kerak bo 'lsa, mehr ko 'rgizadigan jigarlari! Ha, xa, jigarlari! Dunyoda bulardan ortiq mexribonu mushfiq topilmas! Muhammad Ali, Sarbadorlar. [8]
In the text fragment, the word "Dur/Marvarid" is used how the character is well off and his affection to wealth. They are well-known for their calming effects. Pearls have a way of bringing balance to your karma.
It is also said that these little gemstones are symbolic of the wearer's loyalty, generosity, integrity, and purity. In addition, these are just some of the myths behind these precious gemstones. Despite the many different things pearls are said to symbolize, the most widely held meaning among people today is pearl's as a symbol of the purity and loyalty of its wearer. This is one reason why more and more brides are opting to wear pearls on their wedding day, "The pearls of a bridge on her wedding day are the tears that will be shed later". During Ancient Greek days, the myth was that pearls were the gods' tears. It was also believed that if a woman wore pearls on her wedding day, it would stop her from crying.
Pearls are often offered as a token of affection and love, as well as good luck. Moreover, various myths place pearls as the symbols of good fortune and wealth. "The sat one doesn't understand the hungry one: for one the soup is too thin, for the other-the pearls are too small", "He who searches for pearls should not sleep", "He who wants pearls has to dive in the sea."
It is also used to describe beauty, "Men grow old, pearls grow yellow, and there is no cure for it". Furthermore, the Pearl is to describe a situation when someone is taking granted for something. Here are the proverbs illustrating this meaning.
Pearls are of no value in a desert.
Age before beauty; pearls before swine.
Don't cast your pearls before swine.
Do not throw pearls to swine.
Those who wear pearls do not know how often the shark bites the leg of the diver.
Pearls are of worthless in a desert.
In Uzbek proverbs, Pearl also means wealth, goodness or incompleteness, which is of great value.
Yerga chigit tushdi, dur tushdi
Yaxshilik nurga teng, bahosi durga teng
Gul tikansiz bo'lmas. Dur sadafsiz.
It is clear from the examples that the term "Pearl/Dur" serves an image-bearing purpose. It is based on the idea that precious stone may be compared to valuable treasures; this is viewed as something valuable that other valuable riches cannot match. Pearl and priceless riches are similar in that both concepts can be prized due of their priceless characteristics. In texts, the Pearl has different meanings.
Her Pearl - for so had Hester called her; not as a name expressive of her aspect, which had nothing of the calm, white, unimpassioned luster that would be indicated by the comparison. Hester could only account for the child's character - and even then, most vaguely and imperfectly - by recalling what she herself had been during that momentous period while Pearl was imbibing her soul from the spiritual world, and her bodily frame from its material of earth. Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter. [9] In this fictional text, the word Pearl is given to one of the main characters in the story. However, the author chose this name to show how her soul was pure and to express her beauty. In Uzbek culture, many parents have been using this name to call after their daughters hoping to have a girl with a pure heart and beautiful appearance.
Gul ochilib so 'lguncha, Qurti o 'radi ipak, Xalq etagi to 'lguncha dur to 'kar etak-etak. Zulfiya, Yuragimga yaqin kishilar. [10]
Here the word Pearl means fruit or yielding something after planting.
The unique phenomenon of creation in the poet's heart is called inspiration. An important issue is the love and loyalty of this inspiration as well as its themes; it will definitely not be mentioned in the works of poets. Inspiration is an image, a poem that manifests itself in every heart in every way of expression. In this poem Marvarid is used to show this inspiration which the poetess in need of to start writing. Moreover, she is having trouble gathering her ideas as her pearls are spread to the lake.
Qaylardasan, kamnamo ilhom,
Kiyik bo 'lib cho 'llarga qochding?
Yo men bilmay qoldim: namozshom Marvariding ko 'llarga sochding? Do 'stu dushman orasin ochib, Habib ayla, do 'st ayla bir yo 'l.
Tandan jonday yurmagil qochib, Oydin Xojiyeva, Ilhom [11] According to one Persian pearl myth, the gems were created after a storm. That is when a rainbow came down from the sky and met with the earth. Lightning and thunder were said to be the reasons for the pearl's imperfections. Here the word Pearl means water and similar volatile objects (drops, dew, snowflakes). Kechasi tushgan shudringga cho 'milgan ko 'm-ko 'k maysalar xuddi dur to 'kkandek charaqlab, quyosh bilan o 'pishib tovlanadi. O. Yoqubov, Ota izidan. [12] Ro 'paramda sonsiz fontanlar, Qulog'idan dur yog'iladi. X. Saloh, Chashma [13] There are pearl myths that relate to all times. Some go all the way back to the days of Adam and Eve in Paradise. According to legends, the couple cried deeply after God cast them out of the Garden of Eden. Their tears created a lake of pearls.
It was believed that Eve's tears created the white pearls, while Adam's tears created the black pearls. Furthermore, it is also said that Adam shed less tears than Eve did because men control their emotions better than women do. Supposedly, this explains why black pearls are so rare. "Gentlemen," he cried, "let me introduce you to the famous black pearl of the Borgias." Arthur Conan Doyle, The Return of Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of Six Napoleons. [14]
In the text above, the word Pearl is used to refer to male gender. However, if one does not know about the origin of the legend, he or she may have difficulty in getting the hold of the context.
Here are some other references to religion and pearl meaning: According to The Koran, the pearl can be found in Paradise. It is one of the greatest rewards there. This precious gem is also now symbolic of perfection.
Pearls symbolize purity to both Hindus and Christians. This is where the "brides wearing pearls on their wedding days" tradition is said to have started, which continues today. Because they symbolize religious purity, pearls became sacred objects to Christians by the Middle Ages. During early times, Christians believed the pearls that covered the Holy Grail purified its water: The first tablet said: 'In the wood, under the moss, lie the thousand pearls belonging to the king's daughter; they must all be found: and if one be missing by set of sun, he who seeks them will be turned into marble. Grimm Brothers Fairy Tales The Queen Bee. [15] Natasha looked in the direction in which her father's eyes were turned and saw Julie sitting beside her mother with a happy look on her face and a string of pearls round her thick red neck, which Natasha knew, was covered with powder. Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace Book Eight 1811-12 Chapter VIII. [16]
In these text fragments, this word is used to show wealth of the characters and these meanings are very close to its core meaning, which is regarded as type of precious stone.
Conclusion. To conclude, since evaluative and image-bearing components are so important in conveying the author's subjective viewpoint, evaluation, or attitude toward something that is being discussed in the text, we pay closer attention to them while studying concepts in the text. We can also infer that texts and phraseological units containing the idea of "Pearl" represent a particular level of knowledge. This information includes extra-linguistic and ethno-linguistic components and is part of the cultural component of phraseology meaning.
References
[1] E.S. Kubryakova (1996). Когнитивная лингвистика // Краткий словарь когнитивных терминов, p 2.
[2] D.U. Ashurova , M.R Galieva (2018). Cognitive Linguistics, Tashkent, p 92.
[3] I.V.Karasik (2004). Regulatory concepts. Language, consciousness, communication, p 135.
[4] https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Pearl
[5] M. Ismoiliy (2010). Farg'ona tong otguncha, Sharq, p 123.
[6] "Qo'shiqlar", O'zbek Xalq Og'zaki Ijodi.
[7] "Yusuf va Ahmad", O'zbek Xalq Dostoni.
[8] Muhammad Ali. Sarbadorlar, Tashkent-G'afur G'ulom, p 373.
[9] Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850).The Scarlet Letter, Boston, MA: Ticknor and Fields.
[10] Zulfiya (1958). Yuragimga yaqin kishilar.
[11] Oydin Xojiyeva, Ilhom.
[12] O. Yoqubov (1962), Ota izidan.
[13] X. Saloh. (1959), Chashma.
[14] A.C.Doyle, A.C. (1905) The Return of Sherlock Holmes London: Georges Newnes, Ltd.
[15] Edwardes, M., Taylor, E., trans. (1905). Grimm's Fairy Tales. New York: Maynard, Merrill, & Co.
[16] Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace Book Eight 1811-12 Chapter VIII.
