CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES

SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 11 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktabr, 2025 105 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17500527 CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES Norova Shakhnoza English teacher at Presidental school in Tashkent ABSTRACT This paper explores the national and cultural characteristics of phraseological units in English and Uzbek languages. The study aims to identify similarities and differences in the semantic, structural, and cultural aspects of idioms and fixed expressions. Comparative and descriptive methods were used to analyze selected examples from both languages. The findings show that phraseological units reflect each nation’s worldview, traditions, and mentality, emphasizing the importance of cultural competence in translation and language teaching. Keywords: phraseology, idioms, culture, comparative linguistics, English, Uzbek АННОТАЦИЯ В данной статье исследуются национально-культурные особенности фразеологических единиц английского и узбекского языков. Цель исследования – выявить сходства и различия в семантических, структурных и культурных аспектах идиом и устойчивых выражений. Для анализа отдельных примеров из обоих языков использовались сопоставительный и описательный методы. Результаты показывают, что фразеологические единицы отражают мировоззрение, традиции и менталитет каждого народа, подчеркивая важность культурной компетентности при переводе и преподавании языка. SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 11 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktabr, 2025 106 Ключевые слова: фразеология, идиомы, культура, сравнительное языкознание, английский язык, узбекский язык Introduction. Phraseological units (idioms and fixed expressions) are an integral part of any language, representing the cultural and historical background of a nation. They often carry figurative meanings that cannot be understood literally. The comparison of English and Uzbek idioms reveals how different nations conceptualize reality through their linguistic expressions. This study aims to analyze the national and cultural peculiarities of English and Uzbek phraseological units to highlight their role in cross-cultural communication and translation. Methods. The research employs comparative and descriptive methods. Data were collected from English and Uzbek phraseological dictionaries and literary sources. Around 50 idioms from each language were selected and analyzed according to their meaning, structure, and cultural background. The analysis focuses on identifying equivalent, partially equivalent, and culturally bound idioms. Results and Discussion. The study shows that many English and Uzbek idioms share universal human concepts such as emotions, relationships, and morality. For example, the English idiom “to kill two birds with one stone” corresponds to the Uzbek “bir o‘q bilan ikki quyonni urmoq.” However, many idioms are culture-specific and reflect national traditions. For instance, “as cool as a cucumber” has no direct Uzbek equivalent because it relies on Western food imagery, while the Uzbek idiom “yuragi joyiga tushmoq” (to calm down) reflects a body-centered metaphor typical of Uzbek linguistic thinking. The differences often arise from distinct historical experiences, religions, and lifestyles of English and Uzbek speakers. Phraseology is a system of stable word combinations in the lexical layer of a language that are often used in a figurative sense. Examples: In English: break the ice, spill the beans, hit the nail on the head In Uzbek: ko‘ngli tog‘dek, yuragi joyiga tushmoq, bosh ko‘tarmoq SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 11 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktabr, 2025 107 The uniqueness of idioms lies in the fact that their meanings differ from the literal meanings of their individual components — in other words, they possess metaphorical meaning. Cultural Component. Phraseological units reflect a nation’s mentality, customs, and worldview. Examples: In English, many idioms are connected with elements of Western culture such as Biblical, historical, or maritime traditions: The apple of one’s eye – a beloved or precious person To wash one’s hands of something – to absolve oneself of responsibility (originating from the Bible). In Uzbek, idioms often express concepts related to agricultural life, family values, and closeness to nature: Ko‘ngli tog‘dek – to feel relieved Tili zahar, ko‘ngli asal – a person whose words are harsh but whose heart is kind. Types of Phraseological Equivalence When translating idioms, three main types of equivalence can be distinguished: Full equivalence – identical in both meaning and form: To kill two birds with one stone ↔ bir o‘q bilan ikki quyonni urmoq Partial equivalence – similar meaning but different structure or image: To lose one’s temper ↔ jahli chiqmoq Non-equivalence – culture-specific expressions with no direct translation: As cool as a cucumber (no exact Uzbek equivalent) Ko‘ngli tog‘dek (no exact English equivalent). Importance in Language Teaching and Translation Teaching phraseological units helps to: Develop learners’ cultural competence, Facilitate contextual understanding in translation, Enhance naturalness and emotional expression in communication. SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 11 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktabr, 2025 108 For instance, when learners understand the origin and cultural background of idioms, they are more likely to remember and use them correctly in appropriate contexts. Conclusion. The comparative analysis confirms that phraseological units are deeply rooted in the national culture and mentality of each people. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for translators, linguists, and language learners. Teaching idioms should therefore include not only linguistic explanation but also cultural interpretation to achieve communicative competence. REFERENCES 1. Kunin, A.V. (1996). Course in Phraseology of the English Language. Moscow: Vysshaya Shkola. 2. Cowie, A.P., Mackin, R., & McCaig, I.R. (1993). Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford University Press. 3. Mamajonov, A. (2010). O‘zbek frazeologiyasi. Toshkent: Fan nashriyoti. 4. Baker, M. (2018). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge.