PROVERBS EXPRESSING INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract
Proverbs are succinct, culturally rich expressions that encapsulate the wisdom, values, and social norms of a community. This study explores proverbs related to interpersonal relationships in both English and Uzbek languages, with the goal of uncovering the underlying cultural values and social attitudes they convey. Through a qualitative thematic analysis of approximately 150 proverbs, key themes such as friendship, respect, trust, social hierarchy, communication, and conflict resolution were examined. The findings indicate that English proverbs generally emphasize individualism, personal responsibility, and egalitarian social interactions, reflecting Western cultural tendencies. In contrast, Uzbek proverbs highlight collectivism, social harmony, and deference to elders, aligning with Central Asian cultural traditions. This comparative analysis deepens the understanding of how cultural communication patterns are shaped by these values and offers practical insights to improve intercultural dialogue and relationships between English and Uzbek speakers.
Keywords
Proverbs, Interpersonal Relationships, Cross-Cultural Comparison, English, Uzbek, Friendship, Respect, Trust, Social Harmony
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