VARIATION IN THE EXPLOITATION OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS AND METAPHORICAL IDIOMS IN THE ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES

INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATION International scientific-online conference 40 PAGE VARIATION IN THE EXPLOITATION OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS AND METAPHORICAL IDIOMS IN THE ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES Mahmudova Charos Muxsin qizi Linguist (pedagog-researcher), UzSWLU Abstract: This article explores the intricate domain of phraseology within linguistics, focusing on the significance of phraseological units and idioms in communication. It highlights the distinct usage of phraseological expressions in English and Uzbek, emphasizing how cultural, historical, and sociolinguistic factors influence their formation and interpretation. The study acknowledges the contributions of notable scholars in the field, including renowned phrasologists from both Russian and Uzbek traditions. By examining the characteristics of idioms, including their metaphorical nature and fixed structures, the article illustrates how they enrich language while reflecting social norms and values. Key words: phraseology, idioms, metaphorical meaning, tanslation challenges, INTRODUCTION Phraseology is a branch of linguistics has a focus on the phraseological units and idioms. Phraseological or idiomatic expressions are constituents of language that add color and vividness to communication. For linguists and language learners, phraseological units pose a challenge because they attempt to encapsulate culture and society in a few words. In both English and Uzbek, the phraseological units and idioms are used differently. This difference is largely the product of differing cultures, histories, and sociolinguistic conditions, which impact the creation or comprehension of expressions. Though the study of phraseology is a relatively new scientific endeavor, the concept goes back to the nascent period of the emergence of language. Like language, phraseological units are also under constant change as they reflect the life and experiences of people who speak the language. Some scholars who have made valueable contributions to phraseology are: V. V. Vinogradov, N. N. Amosova, and A. V. Kunin are renowned for being the founding phrasologists of Russian Phraseology. Scholars like Sh. Rakhmatullayev, A. Isaev, and others have studied Uzbek phraseology extensively in Uzbekistan, examining a variety of topics and advancing knowledge of colloquial expressions. Scholars such as B. Safaraliyev and G. Bakiyeva have examined a variety of phraseological unit categories in this field, including but not limited to: Religious, legendary, historical, literary, and geographical expressions. INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATION International scientific-online conference 41 PAGE According to Professor A. Mamatov, the etymological and historical formation of phrases emphasises how they originate from particular cultural realities. A distinctive speech unit that cannot be directly translated into another language is called an idiom. This distinctiveness results from the words' loss of their distinct meanings when incorporated into an idiom, which makes them a stable and coherent communication unit. Idioms are crucial for clear communication because they increase speech variety and imagery. It is acknowledged that phraseology is a relatively new and emerging area of linguistics. Our understanding of how phraseological units work in various languages and cultures is still being expanded by ongoing research, which adds to our overall understanding of language dynamics. Understanding phraseological units and metaphorical idioms is essential to comprehending a language's linguistic characteristics as well as the cultural undertones that are present in it. Our understanding of the variety of human expression is enhanced by this field's ongoing development, which provides insightful information about the relationships between language, culture, and communication. This examination of idioms and their definitions offers important new perspectives on the intricacy and linguistic importance of these expressions. Using the definitions and classifications I mentioned, the following is a structured summary of the main ideas about idioms: According to Harald Burger, it can be difficult to decide idioms' true meaning. An idiom is a fixed expression in which it is difficult to infer the meaning from the individual words. For instance, the phrase "play cat and mouse with somebody" evokes a picture of a cat playing with another animal, but its actual meaning has to do with relationship manipulation or teasing. Idioms fall into two primary categories, according to Cowie: Idioms: These are expressions whose meaning cannot be inferred from their constituent parts. For example, "to fill the bill" means "to serve or perform adequately," which is not what the words "fill" and "bill" imply. Semi-Idioms: One element in these keeps its literal meaning, but the other does not. For instance, "foot the bill" means "to pay money," although the word "foot" is figurative and unrelated to the payment action. Western linguists pinpoint a number of essential idiom characteristics, including: Idioms are dependable and unalterable expressions that are understood by native speakers. Their forms are set; they cannot be made or changed as they please. Idioms frequently use metaphors to express ideas, turning literal language into a more expressive format. Idioms typically maintain their structure, allowing only slight alterations (e.g., pronoun substitutions or tense changes). The fundamental phrase in "I am/she's/we were all at sixes and sevens," for example, doesn't change. INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATION International scientific-online conference 42 PAGE The word "idiom" describes both a particular structural form found in a language as well as a mode of expression. Idiom variations could be a reflection of regional dialects or cultural expressions that are particular to a nation or a community. Since they refer to distinctive ways of expressing oneself that are particular to a group, the terms "language" and "dialect" can occasionally be used interchangeably with the idea of idiom. The following is a structured summary of the main points regarding the classification of idioms that describe human appearance, along with examples and their meanings: Idioms that describe human appearance are fascinating linguistic units that enrich language and communication. Their unique characteristics—stability, metaphorical nature, and cultural specificity—make them an essential area of study in linguistics. Understanding idioms provides deeper insights into not only the language itself but also the culture and mindset of its speakers. As a result, they play a significant role in both language learning and translation, bridging gaps between literal and figurative meanings across different cultures. The idioms that describe human appearance and health, along with the examination of their translations between English and Uzbek, highlight the richness and complexity of idiomatic expressions in both languages. Idioms that describe human appearance can be divided into positive and negative qualities, often reflecting irony or humour. These idioms can convey both humour and criticism, demonstrating how language describes social norms and perceptions. Understanding these idioms not only improves language comprehension but also offers insights into societal values and expectations related to appearance. a) Negative Idioms about Facial Features: "Face like a bulldog chewing a wasp": Denotes an ugly appearance. "Face only a mother could love" is a humorous way to characterise someone who is deemed ugly. b) Eyes: "Pie-eyed" describes a person who is extremely inebriated. A person with "saucer eyes" is one whose eyes are wide open in astonishment. c) Nose: "Nose to light candles at" describes a red nose, frequently caused by blushing or being outside in the cold. d) Hair: "To be thin on the top" indicates baldness. A person with untidy or messy hair is referred to as having "hell of hair." e) Body Shape: "Beer belly" and "pot belly" both denote an overweight person; "Turkey neck" refers to extra skin hanging from the neck, which is frequently associated with ageing; f) Height: "Mushroom growth" denotes a person who is growing quickly; g) Age: "Old head on young shoulders" denotes a young person who is wise beyond their years; "Too long in the tooth" denotes someone who is too old for something; h) Clothes and Tidiness: "Dressed up to the nines" denotes a INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATION International scientific-online conference 43 PAGE person who is wearing extremely stylish or fashionable clothing; "Mutton dressed as lamb" denotes an older woman attempting to look younger through her fashion choices.Idioms can also be used to describe a person's health, either positively or negatively. For example, "Like death warmed up" describes someone who appears extremely ill or exhausted; "To be hale and hearty" describes an elderly person who is in good health; and "Much of a muchness" denotes two things that are very similar; "Spitting image" denotes someone who looks exactly like another person. Idiom translation between English and Uzbek: Many idioms do not translate directly between English and Uzbek, although there are synonyms based on meaning: "An old chestnut" in Uzbek refers to expressions that allude to an old joke or story. - ―Thick skin‖: Used to convey resilience to criticism in both languages. - ―Thin skin‖: Indicates sensitivity in both cultures. A situation that lacks a clear solution in both languages is referred to as "a blind alley." Both languages convey the idea that there is always a bright side to a bad situation. - ―To kill two birds with one stone‖: Similar in both languages, indicating achieving multiple outcomes from one action. - ―Beat around the bush‖: In Uzbek, it refers to avoiding the main point in conversation. - ―When pigs fly‖: Translated into Uzbek as a similarly improbable scenario, using a different animal metaphor. Idioms provide a cultural lens through which language and social conventions can be analysed; their diversity in expressing human attributes and experiences demonstrates the creative power of language; the study of these idioms and their translations emphasises the interdependence of language, culture, and identity, exposing both common and distinctive meanings in various languages; idioms in any language frequently have meanings that are not immediately apparent because they are deeply ingrained in cultural and historical contexts; comprehending idioms needs knowledge of the culture and values of the language speakers; this complexity can make translation difficult because idioms may not have direct translations. The following are some examples of metaphorical expressions that are found in both English and Uzbek that highlight their similarities: "State head" in English and "davlat boshi" in Uzbek; "Bitter cold" in English and "achchiq sovuq" in Uzbek; "Hotline" in English and "qaynoq liniya" in Uzbek; These examples demonstrate how metaphors can carry similar meanings across languages, enriching the speaker's expression; the use of idioms, proverbs, and metaphors enhances the richness of speech; they are not only linguistic tools but also reflect cultural identity INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATION International scientific-online conference 44 PAGE and social norms; mastery of these expressions demonstrates a speaker's literacy and comprehension of the subtleties of the language. In conclusion, the study of idioms and phraseological units in English and Uzbek reveals not only the richness of language but also the profound connection between language and culture. These expressions serve as a window into the values, beliefs, and social norms of their respective societies, illustrating how language shapes and reflects human experience. By exploring the similarities and differences between idiomatic expressions in both languages, we gain valuable insights into the unique identities of English and Uzbek speakers. Ultimately, mastering these idioms enhances linguistic proficiency and fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of human communication. REFERENCES: 1. Cowie, A. P. (1998). Phraseology: Theory, analysis, and applications. Oxford University Press. 2. Rakhmatullayev, Sh. (2011). Uzbek phraseology: Modern trends and research. Tashkent State University Press. 3. Wierzbicka, A. (1997). Understanding cultures through their key words: English, Russian, Polish, German, and Japanese. Oxford University Press. 4. Kunin, A. V. (1996). The language of everyday life: Phraseology and communication. Russian Linguistic Society. 5. Mamatov, A. (2015). Cultural dimensions of phraseology: A comparative study of Uzbek and English. International Journal of Linguistic Studies, 16(3), 4256.