CC BY
10UDC 81.1
Hydyrova A.
Instructor,
Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmamed Azadi
Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
PHRASAL VERBS AND IDIOMS IN TURKMEN AND ENGLISH: A
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Abstract: This article examines the similarities and differences between phrasal verbs and idioms used in Turkmen and English, two languages with diverse linguistic backgrounds and cultural histories. The aim of this study is to explore the potential for cross-linguistic transfer and highlight areas where students might encounter difficulty when learning both languages.
Key words: Turkmen, English, Phrasal verbs, Idioms, Cross-linguistic, Transfer, Language learning.
Language, at its core, is a tapestry woven with vibrant threads of meaning and expression. Beyond the literal, lie phrasal verbs and idioms, intricate phrases that transcend their individual components to paint evocative pictures and convey nuanced sentiments. This article delves into the fascinating world of these linguistic gems, exploring their similarities and differences across the distinct landscapes of Turkmen and English.
Turkmen and English are distinct languages that have evolved independently over centuries. However, they share similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and usage of phrasal verbs and idioms. This study aims to elucidate these similarities and differences, which could aid language learners in understanding and mastering these expressions in both Turkmen and English.
Phrasal verbs, formed by a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs), add color and dynamism to both languages. In Turkmen, consider "gelip yetmek," meaning "to arrive" or "to reach." The single verb "yetmek" implies arrival, but "gelip yetmek" adds a sense of journey and completion. Similarly, English "come by" goes beyond mere acquisition, suggesting effort or unexpectedness. Both languages utilize prefixes and suffixes to alter meaning. Take Turkmen "aylanyp dolanmak," meaning "to wander aimlessly," where "aylanyp" emphasizes circularity and "dolanmak" suggests aimlessness. In English, "look up" can mean "consult" with the addition of "to" ("look up to" implies respect), showcasing similar semantic adaptability.
In Turkmen, phrasal verbs are generally formed by combining a verb with a particle (e.g., gelmek "to come," gel- "come"), while in English, these constructions often involve a preposition (e.t.g., come "to come").
However, both languages share the same concept of a phrasal verb, which is a verb combined with a particle or preposition to form a new meaning (e.g., "to get up" in Turkmen vs. "to get up to" in English).
Idioms, expressions with figurative meanings, offer glimpses into cultural nuances. Turkmen abounds with proverbs reflecting their nomadic heritage. "Yuz kopegi yaram yalamaz," meaning "A dog with a hundred masters cannot lick its wounds," highlights the importance of self-reliance. English counterparts like "a rolling stone gathers no moss" echo similar values. Food metaphors are common; "a§yn gaty bilen oynamak" in Turkmen ("to play with your food's fat") signifies frivolity, while "spill the beans" in English conveys divulging secrets. Humor adds spice; "it rained cats and dogs" in English evokes comical chaos, while the Turkmen "gowundan gar it owse," meaning "smoke would come out of his dog," describes excessive anger.
Learning phrasal verbs and idioms across languages poses challenges. Literal translations rarely capture their figurative essence. Understanding cultural context is crucial. For example, the Turkmen "bir atdan iki adam du§mek" ("to fall
two people from one horse") signifies misfortune, but a literal translation is meaningless without knowing the cultural association of horses with prosperity. Idioms can also pose grammatical hurdles. While the Turkmen "gozüm degdi" ("my eye touched it") expresses admiration, a literal translation wouldn't make sense grammatically or culturally in English.
Phrasal verbs and idioms enrich language, injecting vividness and cultural insights. Mastering them requires not just memorization, but an understanding of their cultural context and nuanced shades of meaning. As we navigate the linguistic landscapes of Turkmen and English, embracing these gems unlocks deeper cultural understanding and empowers us to express ourselves with greater precision and flair. By appreciating the similarities and differences in their usage, we can bridge linguistic gaps and foster meaningful communication across cultures.
The Turkmen language also has a rich variety of idioms, which are phrases that have unique meanings beyond the literal interpretation of their individual words. For instance, the idiom "gelmek bilen" means "to be able to," whereas its literal translation is "to come." This illustrates the importance of understanding idiomatic expressions in order to communicate effectively in Turkmen.
Despite their different origins and histories, Turkmen and English share some common idioms that convey similar meanings. For instance, both languages have idioms for expressing humor ("to take something too seriously" in Turkmen vs. "to take the mickey out of someone" in English) and expressing surprise ("to open one's mouth" in Turkmen vs "to drop one's jaw" in English).
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. Akhundov, S. G. (2020). Grammatical structure of the Turkmen language. Ashgabat: Science.
2. Wierzbicka, A. (1996). Semantics: Primes and universals. Oxford University Press.
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5. Akata, F. M. (2014). Semantic analysis of phrasal verbs in English and Turkish. International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature, 3(4), 126-131.
Хыдырова А.
Инструктор,
Туркменский национальный институт мировых языков имени
Довлетмаммета Азади Туркменистан, г. Ашхабад
ФРАЗОВЫЕ ГЛАГОЛЫ И ИДИОМЫ В ТУРКМЕНСКОМ И АНГЛИЙСКОМ ЯЗЫКАХ: СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ
Аннотация: В данной статье рассматриваются сходства и различия между фразовыми глаголами и идиомами, используемыми в туркменском и английском языках, двух языках с разным лингвистическим происхождением и культурной историей. Целью данного исследования является изучение потенциала межъязыкового переноса и выделение областей, в которых учащиеся могут столкнуться с трудностями при изучении обоих языков.
Ключевые слова: туркменский язык, английский язык, фразовые глаголы, идиомы, межлингвистический перевод, изучение языка.
