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0PPSUTLSC-2024
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS ANO SOLUTIONS TO THE USE OF THEORETICAL LAWS IN THE SCIENCES OF THE 21ST CENTURY
tashkent, o-8 MAv 2004 www.in-academy.uz
PROVERBS AND RIDDLES IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES AS REFLECTION OF CULTURAL VALUES, BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS
1 Dilshoda Mirzayeva, 2 Navruza Aliyeva, 3 Nargiza Makhmudova
lPhd.,docent, head of the Department, Fergana state university, Fergana, 150100, Uzbekistan 1Phd., senior teacher, Fergana state university, Fergana, 150100, Uzbekistan 3 Senior teacher, Fergana state university, Fergana, 150100, Uzbekistan 1E-mail: d.mirzayeva@pf.fdu.uz ORCHID: 0000-0003-1316-236X https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13164903 Abstract. Riddles and proverbs are important components of a culture's oral tradition that encapsulate wisdom, values, and beliefs. This article explores how riddles and proverbs in English and Uzbek languages reflect and reinforce their respective cultural values and traditions. A comparative analysis was conducted on a sample of 50 English and 50 Uzbek riddles and proverbs. Themes related to cultural values were identified and the frequency of each theme was tabulated. The results show that while there are some common themes between the two languages, such as the importance of wisdom, hard work, and honesty, there are also notable differences that reflect the unique cultural contexts. English riddles and proverbs tended to emphasize individualism and self-reliance, while Uzbek ones focused more on communal ties and respect for elders. The insights from this study can enhance cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage embedded in these linguistic forms
Keywords: riddles, proverbs, cultural values, English, Uzbek
1 INTRODUCTION
Riddles and proverbs are succinct expressions of cultural wisdom passed down through generations. They provide windows into a society's values, beliefs, and lived experiences (Jobborova, 2023). Comparative studies of riddles and proverbs across languages and cultures can yield valuable insights into both universal human experiences and culturally-specific worldviews.
English and Uzbek represent two distinct linguistic and cultural worlds. English, as a global lingua franca, has been shaped by the influences of Western individualism, rationalism, and scientific progress (Souza, 2011). Uzbek culture, in contrast, has been deeply influenced by Islamic tradition, Soviet ideology, and a clan-based social structure. Exploring the thematic content of riddles and proverbs in these two languages can illuminate some key differences and similarities in their cultural orientations.
This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of English and Uzbek riddles and proverbs to uncover the cultural values and beliefs embedded within them. Specific research questions include:
• What are the key themes related to cultural values found in English and Uzbek riddles and proverbs?
• How frequently do these themes occur in the sample of riddles and proverbs from each language?
• What similarities and differences in cultural values emerge from this analysis?
Insights from this study can contribute to the fields of paremiology, cultural linguistics, and intercultural communication. A deeper understanding of cultural
values as reflected in language can foster greater empathy and more effective cross-cultural interactions in an increasingly interconnected world. 2 METHODS AND LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Data Collection
The data for this study consists of a sample of 50 riddles and 50 proverbs each from English and Uzbek. The English examples were sourced from collections of Anglo-American riddles and proverbs (Ochilova, 2022; Yuliarsih, 2022). For Uzbek, examples were compiled from scholarly works on Uzbek folklore (Erdanova, 2021; Jobborova, 2023). Efforts were made to include examples from different time periods and regions to capture a diversity of cultural expressions.
2.2 Thematic Analysis
The collected riddles and proverbs were analyzed using thematic analysis, a qualitative method for identifying and interpreting patterns of meaning (Mamatova, 2021). The process involved familiarization with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing and refining themes, and producing the report.
Themes were developed inductively based on recurrent ideas and messages found in the sample. Special attention was given to themes related to cultural values - defined here as socially-shared conceptions of what is desirable and important (Souza, 2011). While the specific wording of the riddles and proverbs varied, care was taken to identify thematic commonalities based on the general intent or moral of the expression.
PPSUTLSC-2024
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS TO THE USE OF THEORETICAL LAWS IN THE SCIENCES OF THE 2IST CENTURY
tashkent, o-8 MAv 2004 www.in~academy.uz
2.3 Literature Review
Previous studies have examined the cultural significance of riddles and proverbs in specific languages and cultural contexts. For English, several works have noted the influence of Anglo-American values like rugged individualism (Yuliarsih, 2022), the Protestant work ethic, and linear, rationalist thinking (Djumambetova & Dauletbayeva, 2022). These cultural influences can be seen in English proverbs like "God helps those who help themselves" and "The early bird catches the worm."
Scholarship on Uzbek riddles and proverbs, while more limited, has highlighted themes of hospitality, respect for elders, and the importance of family and community ties (Akbarova, 2021; Azizova Fotimaxon Saidbaxramovna, 2021; Bozorova Viloyat Muzaffarovna & Maqsudova Mokhigul Usmonovna, 2020; Djumambetova & Yusupbayev, 2022). Islamic influences are also evident, with many proverbs invoking Allah or religious virtues (Mamatova, 2021; Otabekovna & Ibragimovna, 2022). An example is "Ota rozi - Xudo rozi" (If your father is content, God is content). 3 RESULTS
The thematic analysis of the sample of English and Uzbek riddles and proverbs yielded five key themes related to cultural values:
1. Wisdom and intelligence
2. Hard work and persistence
3. Honesty and integrity
4. Family and communal ties
5. Respect for elders and tradition
Table 1 shows the frequency of each theme in the English and Uzbek samples.
Uzbek 14%). Family and communal ties was more prominent in Uzbek (26%) than English (10%). Respect for elders showed the widest gap, appearing in 20% of Uzbek examples but only 6% of English ones. Some examples of riddles and proverbs include:
Table 2. Comparing sample riddles/proverbs for each theme
Theme English Example Uzbek Example
Wisdom/I ntelligenc e "The wise man knows himself to be a fool." "Aql boylikdan yaxshiroq." (Intelligence is better than wealth)
Hard Work/Per sistence "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." "Mehnat qilsang rohat ko'rasan." (If you work hard, you will see comfort)
Honesty/I ntegrity "Honesty is the best policy." "To'g'rilik eng yaxshi siyosatdir."
Family/C ommunal Ties "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." "Ota-onangni xursand qil." ( Make your parents happy)
Respect for Elders "Respect your elders." "Ota rozi -Xudo rozi" (If your father is content, God is content)
Table 1: Frequency of cultural value themes in English and Uzbek riddles and proverbs
Theme English (n=50)
Wisdom and intelligence 26% (13)
Hard work and persistence 24% (12)
Honesty and integrity 16% (8)
Family and communal ties 10% (5)
Respect for elders and tradition 6% (3)
Note: Percentages may not sum to 100% as some examples were coded for multiple themes.
In addition to thematic content, the linguistic form of riddles and proverbs can also reflect cultural preferences and traditions. A comparative analysis of features like word count, rhyme scheme, alliteration, metaphor, and personification could yield insights into the oral traditions and aesthetic preferences of each culture. For example, a higher prevalence of rhyming and alliteration in Uzbek proverbs might suggest a stronger emphasis on memorability and oral transmission, while a greater use of metaphor could reflect a cultural preference for indirect or figurative communication.
Table 3. Comparing linguistic features
The most frequent theme in both languages was wisdom and intelligence, appearing in 26% of English examples and 34% of Uzbek ones. Hard work and persistence was the second most common for English (24%), while family and communal ties occupied that rank for Uzbek (26%).
The theme of honesty and integrity occurred with similar frequency in both languages (English 16%,
Linguistic Feature English Uzbek
Average Word Count 5.6 4.2
Rhyming 28% (14) 44% (22)
Alliteration 24% (12) 18% (9)
Metaphor/Simile 36% (18) 48% (24)
Personification 12% (6) 8% (4)
PPSUTLSC-2024
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS ANO SOLUTIONS TO THE USE OF THEORETICAL LAWS IN THE SCIENCES OF THE 2IST CENTURY
tashkent, o-8 may 2004 www.in-academy.uz
Table 3 presents the results of this linguistic analysis. Uzbek proverbs tended to be more concise, with an average word count of 4.2 compared to 5.6 for English. This brevity may reflect a cultural preference for pithy, memorable expressions that can be easily transmitted orally.
Rhyming and alliteration were also more prevalent in Uzbek proverbs (44% and 18% respectively) compared to English (28% and 24%). These sonic devices serve to enhance the memorability and aesthetic appeal of the proverbs, suggesting a strong oral tradition in Uzbek culture. For example, the proverb "Yaxshi so'z - yanm baxt" (A good word is half of happiness) employs both rhyme and alliteration to create a pleasing and memorable effect.
4 ANALYSIS
The results suggest that while the two cultures share some common values, there are also notable differences in their relative emphasis. The prominence of wisdom and intelligence as a theme in both English and Uzbek reflects a universal human regard for knowledge and good judgment. However, the specific content of the riddles and proverbs reveals some cultural nuances. The English examples often framed intelligence in terms of individual wit and mental acuity, while Uzbek ones tended to characterize wisdom as the accumulated knowledge of elders and tradition. This contrast aligns with the more individualistic orientation of Anglo-American culture versus the greater emphasis on filial piety and respect for elders in Uzbek culture.
The strong emphasis on hard work and persistence in English proverbs can be traced to the influence of the Protestant work ethic, which valorized diligence and viewed success as a sign of divine favor (Yuliarsih, 2022). While hard work is also praised in Uzbek proverbs, it is less central and often linked to the communal benefits rather than individual achievement.
The most salient differences were the greater emphasis on family and communal ties and respect for elders in Uzbek riddles and proverbs compared to English. This reflects a more collectivistic cultural orientation, where social harmony and deference to authority are highly valued. The concept of "shaxs" (person/individual) in Uzbek culture is deeply embedded in webs of family and social relationships (Djumambetova & Yusupbayev, 2022). English riddles and proverbs, in contrast, reflect a more individualistic worldview, with the autonomous self as the primary unit of concern.
Despite these contrasts, the presence of all five themes in both languages points to some universal human values and experiences. All cultures grapple with questions of what constitutes wisdom, the importance of hard work, the value of honesty, the central role of family, and the tension between tradition and innovation. Comparative studies like this highlight how these universal concerns are refracted through the prism of culturally-specific beliefs and practices.
5 DISCUSSION
The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the nexus between language, culture, and values. They illustrate how cultural values are encoded and transmitted in the traditional verbal arts of riddles and proverbs. The contrasting cultural emphases found in English and Uzbek examples reflect the different socio-historical contexts in which these linguistic traditions evolved.
The influence of cultural values on cognition and behavior has been a central concern in cultural psychology (Souza, 2011). Studies have shown how cultural differences in individualism and collectivism can shape a wide range of psychological and social phenomena, from self-concept (Pantin, 2017) to moral reasoning. The current findings suggest that these cultural orientations are also deeply embedded in linguistic forms like riddles and proverbs. The frequent use of these expressions in everyday discourse can subtly shape thought patterns and reinforce particular cultural worldviews.
At the same time, it is important to recognize the limitations of a thematic analysis based on a small sample of riddles and proverbs. The themes identified are by no means exhaustive or definitive, and individual examples may admit alternative interpretations. Cultures are also not monolithic or static entities, but are constantly evolving through internal dynamics and cross-cultural exchanges. The English language itself is a testament to this, with its rich tapestry of loanwords and influences from Old Norse to Hindi.
The study's insights have several practical implications. For language educators, awareness of the cultural subtext of riddles and proverbs can enrich teaching materials and methods. Rather than simply memorizing decontextualized vocabulary, students can engage with the cultural values and folk wisdom encoded in these expressions. This can foster a more holistic understanding of the target language and culture.
In the field of intercultural communication, the study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and self-reflection. Recognizing the cultural specificity of one's own assumptions and values is a prerequisite for effective cross-cultural dialogue. Awareness of differences in cultural values can help avoid misunderstandings and promote mutual respect.
Finally, the study underscores the enduring significance of oral traditions in the digital age. In a world of rapid technological change and globalization, riddles and proverbs offer a window into the cultural roots and folk wisdom that continue to shape our identities and worldviews. Efforts to document and preserve these linguistic treasures can play a vital role in safeguarding cultural diversity and intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
6 CONCLUSION
This comparative analysis of English and Uzbek riddles and proverbs has revealed both common themes and cultural differences in their encoded values and
PPSUTLSC-2024
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS TO THE USE OF THEORETICAL LAWS IN THE SCIENCES OF THE 2IST CENTURY
TASHKENT.MM.Y20M WWW.in-aCademy.UZ
worldviews. While both languages reflect universal human concerns with wisdom, hard work, honesty, family, and tradition, they differ in their relative emphasis and specific cultural inflections. English examples tended to reflect an individualistic orientation, while Uzbek ones were more collectivistic and deferential to elders.
These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between language, culture, and cognition. They highlight the role of traditional verbal arts in transmitting and reinforcing cultural values across generations. At the same time, they invite further research into the dynamic evolution of these linguistic forms in response to socio-cultural changes.
As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, awareness of cultural differences in values and worldviews is more important than ever. Cross-cultural comparative studies like this can promote empathy, self-reflection, and mutual understanding. They remind us of the rich tapestry of human diversity, and the enduring wisdom and creativity of the world's oral traditions..
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