A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UNIVERSAL AND CULTURE-SPECIFIC FEATURES OF PROVERBS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGE SYSTEMS

Abstract

This study provides a comparative analysis of the universal and culture-specific features of proverbs in English and Uzbek languages. Proverbs, as succinct expressions of collective wisdom, serve as vital tools for conveying cultural values, moral lessons, and societal norms. The research identifies common themes such as honesty, the value of time, and human nature, highlighting their presence in both languages. Despite these universal themes, the study reveals distinct cultural expressions rooted in each language's unique historical, social, and environmental contexts.

The methodology involved qualitative comparative analysis, categorizing 200 proverbs from English and Uzbek into thematic groups. The findings demonstrate that while many proverbs share similar meanings, their linguistic expressions, metaphorical imagery, and cultural references differ significantly. For example, proverbs related to work ethics and social relationships reflect the agrarian traditions in Uzbek culture and the individualistic tendencies in Western societies.

The study also explores the complexities of translating proverbs, emphasizing the challenges posed by culture-specific metaphors and idiomatic expressions. Strategies such as finding equivalent proverbs, using descriptive translations, and adapting cultural contexts are suggested to preserve the semantic integrity and cultural nuances in translation.

This research contributes to the fields of comparative linguistics, cultural studies, and translation studies, offering valuable insights into how language serves as a bridge between shared human experiences and distinct cultural identities.