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EURASIAN JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH
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SEMANTIC-STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF PROVERBS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES WITH THE COMPONENT OF HEAD, HAND AND FOOT
Z.Isakova
Senior teacher (PhD), Kokand University M.Abdulmalikova
Student, Kokand University. E-mail address: isakovazilolakhon@gmail.com mohinazarifova@gmail.com https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12204728
ABSTRACT
Received: 14th June 2024 Accepted: 20th June 2024 Online: 21th June 2024 KEYWORDS
Comparative linguistics, proverbs with the component of head, hand and foot; language, culture, semantic-
structural analysis, cross-linguistic comparisons, metaphorical and symbolic language.
The study of proverbs extends beyond language to reveal the underlying thought processes and worldviews of different societies. Analyzing proverbs allows us to explore how cultures use language to convey complex ideas and traditional wisdom in concise, memorable forms. By examining proverbs across different languages which belonged to various language families, we can uncover both shared and unique cultural themes and cognitive frameworks.
This study delves into the fascinating realm of proverbs, specifically focusing on those found in the English and Uzbek languages. These two languages belong to distinct language families and cultural traditions, offering a rich opportunity to explore the similarities and differences in how proverbs are used and understood.
Introduction
Proverbs are timeless nuggets of wisdom passed down through generations and form an integral part of a community's linguistic and cultural heritage. These concise sayings, often metaphorical in nature, offer valuable insights into human behavior, societal values, and cultural beliefs. They function not only as witty phrases but also as reflections of the collective experiences, moral lessons, and practical advice of a particular culture.
Our primary objective is to conduct a semantic-structural analysis, examining the meaning and structure of proverbs with a particular emphasis on the components of head, hand, and foot. These thematic elements within a proverb provide a framework for exploring the various aspects of proverbs in each language:
- Head: This component represents the main concept or idea conveyed by the proverb. It is the central message or theme that the proverb communicates.
- Hand: This element focuses on the practical application or action associated with the proverb. It illustrates how the proverb's wisdom can be applied to everyday situations and decision-making.
- Foot: This aspect examines the cultural context or background knowledge that informs the proverb's meaning. It includes the historical, societal, and cultural influences that shape the interpretation and use of the proverb.
By dissecting proverbs through this lens, we aim to uncover the deeper layers of meaning and shed light on the cultural nuances embedded within them. This analysis will provide a richer understanding of the proverbs themselves and offer insights into the cultural values and beliefs reflected in both English and Uzbek societies.
This research contributes to the broader fields of comparative linguistics and cultural studies by offering an in-depth examination of how different cultures use language to express wisdom and traditional knowledge. Through this study, we aim to enhance the appreciation of proverbs as not just linguistic artifacts, but as windows into the hearts and minds of the communities that cherish them.
Literature Review
Proverbs serve as a vital part of language and culture, encapsulating wisdom and conveying cultural values through concise expressions (Mieder, 2004) [3]. They provide a snapshot of the beliefs and worldviews of a society and offer insights into its moral and ethical frameworks (Honeck, 2013). By studying proverbs, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and linguistic nuances present in different languages and communities.
A semantic and structural analysis involves examining the meaning and grammatical form of proverbs to understand how language encodes complex concepts and ideas. According to Mieder (2004), proverbs often contain metaphorical and symbolic language, making them rich sources of cultural information. This approach allows researchers to explore the cognitive processes and cultural contexts that give rise to proverbs (Honeck, 2013).
The components of head, hand, and foot are frequently used in proverbs across different languages to symbolize various aspects of human experience. For example, the head often represents intelligence, thought, and leadership (Mieder, 2004). The hand symbolizes action, labor, and skill, while the foot can denote movement, journey, or stability (Honeck, 2013). By analyzing proverbs containing these components, researchers can gain insights into how cultures conceptualize these human faculties and how they are reflected in traditional wisdom.
Cross-linguistic studies of proverbs provide a broader perspective on how different cultures use language to express similar ideas. In his seminal work, Mieder (2004) emphasizes the importance of comparing proverbs from different languages to identify universal themes and cultural-specific nuances. Honeck (2013) supports this view, arguing that cross-linguistic analysis helps illuminate the ways different cultures structure and convey knowledge through proverbs.
English and Uzbek proverbs offer rich sources of cultural insights due to their unique linguistic and cultural backgrounds. While English proverbs often draw on Western traditions and values, Uzbek proverbs reflect the region's history and influences from surrounding cultures (Mieder, 2004). In their article accepted here a more simple and widespread scale,
namely the set of three degrees: Statement ^ evaluation ^ prescription of proverbs (H.M.Sotvaldieva, A.T.Masharipova, 2021). The next article is devoted to the analysis of semantic and linguocultural features of some English and Uzbek proverbs about friendship. The equivalents of some proverbs in a target language are given for interpreting them in the other language to find out several important innovative ways of translation and contrasting their peculiarities in the English and Uzbek languages (M.B. Umarova).
By examining proverbs from these two languages, researchers can identify both common themes and distinct cultural perspectives.
Methodology
A syntactic analysis of proverbs involves examining their grammatical structure, including sentence patterns, word order, and the relationships between different elements within the proverbs. We analyze each of the provided proverbs in terms of their syntax. Comparison and content analysis is used for comparing pragmatic, cultural and linguistic features of value that is expressed in English and Uzbek proverbs.
Results
In the following article we are going to analyze proverbs with the component of «Head» in English and Uzbek languages. The proverb «Keep your head above water» means that to just be able to manage, especially when you have financial difficulties1 in English language and the structure is simple sentence, subject is expressed by Implicitness (understood as «you»). In the proverb prepositional phrase «above water» (modifying «keep») is used to express emotiveness2. In Uzbek language there is a proverb «So'zlagandan so'zlamagan yaxshiroq, So'zlab edim, boshimga tegdi tayoq» that expresses preferring not to tell the truth without embarrassing himself, so that no one likes it.
The next proverb «Two heads are better than one» is used to say that it is easier for two people who help each other to solve a problem than it is for one person to solve a problem alone3. The structure of proverb is simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Bir kalla - kalla, ikki kalla - tilla» which expresses preference for more than one person.
The proverb «Heads will roll» is used to say that people will be severely punished or will lose their jobs because of something that has happened4. The structure of proverb is simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «To'g'ri oshini yer, Egri boshini» that expresses there is an answer to both good and evil.
The proverb «Bury your head in the sand» is used to refuse to think about unpleasant facts, although they will have an influence on your situation5 in English language and the structure is simple sentence, subject is expressed by Implicitness (understood as «you»). In the proverb prepositional phrase «in the sand» (modifying «bury») is used to express emotiveness. In Uzbek language «Yomon gap - bosh qozig'i, Yaxshi gap - jon ozig'i» that
1 Yu N. The Contemporary Theory of Metaphor: A Perspective from Chinese. John Benjamins P. 1998. - P. 231.
2 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/keep-head-above-water
3 https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/two%20heads%20are%20better%20than%20one
4 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heads%20will%20rol
5 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bury-have-head-in-the-sand
expresses A bad thought, that is, a bad word always brings a person into trouble, and a good thought and word is for good.
The proverb «An old head on young shoulders» a child or young person who thinks and talks like an older person who has more experience of life6. The structure of proverb is simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Aqil yoshda emas boshda» that expresses smart people don't always get older, sometimes younger kids are smarter than older people.
The proverb «The head rules the heart» to make a decision to do something solely based on one's emotions7. The structure of proverb is Simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Ishq boshqa, havas boshqa» that expresses not to confuse two different things.
The proverb «Many hands make light work» is used to say that people can do things more quickly and easily when they work together8. The structure of proverb is Simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Qo'l qo'lni yuvar, Ikki qo'l - yuzni» that expresses Many hands solve many tasks.
The proverb «The hand hat rocks the cradle rules the world» said to emphasize that women have a strong influence on events through their children9. The structure of proverb is complex sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language « Xotinni yaxshi ko'rsatgan Qo'lidagi bolasi. Daraxtni yaxshi ko'rsatgan Shoxidagi mevasi». That express is related to the education of women».
The proverb «Hand in glove» working together, often to do something dishonest10. The structure of proverb is simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Ko'pchilik qo'lda unum ko'p» which expresses about the quick completion of joint work.
The proverb «The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing». If the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, then communication within a company, organisation, group, etc, is so bad that people don't know what the others are doing11. The structure of proverb is compound sentence according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language « Birovning qo'li bilan tikan yulish oson» Which expresses « no one knows someone's pain».
The proverb «Keep your hands clean» If you wash your hands of something that you were previously responsible for, you intentionally stop being involved in it or connected with it in any way12. In English language and the structure is simple sentence, subject is expressed by Implicitness (understood as «you»). In the proverb prepositional phrase «clean» (modifying «your hands») is used to express emotiveness. In Uzbek language there is a
6 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionarv/english/old-a-wise-head-on-Young-shoulders
7 https://dictionarv.langeek.co/en/word/213644?entrv=let%20heart%20rule%20head
8 https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionarv/manv%20hands%20make%20light%20work
9 https://dictionarv.cambridge.org/dictionarv/english/hand-that-rocks-the-cradle-rules-the-world
10 https://dictionarv.cambridge.org/dictionarv/english/hand-in-glove
11 https://www.collinsdictionarv.com/dictionarv/english/the-right-hand-doesnt-know-what-the-left-hand-is-doing
12
https://dictionarv.cambridge.org/dictionarv/english/wash-hands-of
proverb «Harom qo'l bor joyda baraka bo'lmas.» The meaning of the proverb is try to be above bad things.
The proverb «Hold hands with the devil» said to show that you believe people who have nothing to do are more likely to get into trouble or commit a crime13. The structure of proverb is simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language « Egri qo'l ishga yetmas, Ishga yetsa ham, ishi bitmas» denotes it never reaches its empty goal, from idleness only bad thoughts and deeds arise.
The proverb «A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush» said when you recognize that you should not risk losing something you already have by trying to get something you think might be better14. The structure of proverb is compound sentence according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Yo'ldagi ikki qushdan, Qo'ldagi bir qush yaxshi» that expresses appreciate what you have until you run to what you don't have.
Proverbs Featuring «Foot»: The proverb «Put your best foot forward» to try as hard as you can15. In English language and the structure is simple sentence, subject is expressed by Implicitness (understood as «you»). In Uzbek language there is a proverb «Yurgan oyoqqa yo'rg'a yo'liqar» which expresses a person who acts always gets a response according to his desire.
The proverb «Get off on the wrong foot» to start a relationship or activity badly16. The structure of proverb is simple sentence according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Yalangoyoqning cho'pdan xavfi bor» that expresses there is no end to any work that begins with a mistake.
The proverb «Shoot yourself in the foot» to do something without intending to which spoils a situation for yourself17. In English language and the structure is simple sentence, subject is expressed by Implicitness (understood as «you»). In the proverb prepositional phrase «in the foot» (modifying «shoot») is used to express emotiveness. In Uzbek language there is a proverb «Og'izlikka oldirma, Oyoqlikka teptirma» which expresses never approach things that are a problem for you.
The proverb «Dragging your feet» do something slowly or not start it because you do not want to do it18. The structure of proverb is simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Ko'ngil tortmas yerga oyoq tortmas» which expresses the work started by force will not end well.
The proverb «Land on your feet» to be successful or lucky, especially after a period of not having success or luck19. The structure of proverb is simple sentence and according to the meaning it is equal to the proverb in Uzbek language «Omad o'z oyog'i bilan keladi» which expresses luck comes when you least expect it.
13 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/englishdevil-finds-work-for-idle-hands#google vignette
14 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bird-in-the-hand-is-worth-two-in-the-bush
15 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/put-best-foot-forward
16 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/get-start-off-on-the-wrong-foot
17 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/shoot-in-the-foot
18 https://dictionary.cambridge. org/dictionary/english/drag-feet
19 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/land-onfeet#google vignette
These syntactic analyses provide a basic examination of the sentence structures and grammatical components of the chosen proverbs. Further analysis can delve into the semantic relationships and metaphorical meanings of these sayings.
Conclusion
Structural analysis involves examining the structure of proverbs, including their grammatical form, the arrangement of words and phrases, and the linguistic features that contribute to their meaning and impact. Here is a structural analysis of the English proverbs provided:
In summary, existing literature emphasizes the importance of proverbs as carriers of cultural knowledge and wisdom. Through semantic and structural analysis, as well as cross-linguistic comparisons, researchers can gain deeper insights into the cultural and linguistic nuances present in different languages. The components of head, hand, and foot provide a unique lens through which to explore proverbs in English and Uzbek languages, revealing how these cultures conceptualize human faculties and express traditional wisdom.
References:
1. Isakova Z.Z. Expressing semantic category of value with lexical-semantic method, Galaxy International Interdisciplinary Research Journal. 2022. - P. 1176-1181.
2. Mharifzadeh, S. & Akhlaghi, M. A Cross-Cultural Study of Metaphorical Conceptualization of HEAD in English and Persian Proverbs // Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 10(4), 2020. - 380-391.
3. Mieder, W. Proverbs: A Handbook // Greenwood Publishing Group. 2004. - P. 322-331.
4. Ochilov, O. The Concept of "Zhanam" in Uzbek Proverbs. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 1(7), 2010. - 248-252.
5. Sotvaldieva H.M., Masharipova A.T. Structural and semantic characteristics of proverbs // Current research journal of Philological Sciences 2(11). 2021. - P. 153-157.
6. Teshaboev, T. Typological Aspect of Uzbek Proverbs and Sayings. // European Journal of Literature, Language and Linguistics Studies, 1(2), 2015. - P. 30-35.
7. Umarova. M.B. Semantic and linguocultural features of Uzbek and English proverbs with concept of friendship // Oriental Renaissance: Innovative, educational, natural and social sciences. 2022. - P. 1136-1144.
8. Yu N. The Contemporary Theory of Metaphor: A Perspective from Chinese. John Benjamins Publishing. 1998. - P. 221-235.
9. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/keep-head-above-water
10. https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/two%20heads%20are%20better%20th an%20one
11. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heads%20will%20rol
12. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bury-have-head-in-the-sand
13. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/old-a-wise-head-on-young-shoulders
14. https://dictionary.langeek.co/en/word/213644?entry=let%20heart%20rule%20head
é
Ws,
15. https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/many%20hands%20make%20light%2 Owork
16. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/hand-that-rocks-the-cradle-rules-the-world
17. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/hand-in-glove
18. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/the-right-hand-doesnt-know-what-the-left-hand-is-doing
19. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/wash-hands-of
20. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/devil-finds-work-for-idle-hands#google vignette
21. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bird-in-the-hand-is-worth-two-in-the-bush
22. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/put-best-foot-forward
23. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/get-start-off-on-the-wrong-foot
24. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/shoot-in-the-foot
25. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/drag-feet
26. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/land-onfeet#google vignette
