THE SEMANTIC PROPERTIES OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS AND THEIR CROSS-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “MODERN APPROACHES IN TEACHING EXACT AND NATURAL SCIENCES: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS”, MAY 30, 2025 818 THE SEMANTIC PROPERTIES OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS AND THEIR CROSS-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS Usmanaliyeva Saboxat Raximovna English language teacher at school № 50 in Samarkand city https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17350095 Abstract. This thesis examines the semantic nature of phraseological units and their behavior across languages, with a particular focus on English and Uzbek. Phraseological units including idioms, fixed expressions, and phrasal verbs are characterized by their noncompositional semantics, where the overall meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of individual components. Through comparative analysis, this study explores how such units are classified, interpreted, and translated, emphasizing the role of cultural, historical, and cognitive factors in shaping their meaning and use. Keywords: phraseological units, semantics, cross-linguistic analysis, idioms, translation studies Introduction Phraseology represents a significant and complex area of linguistic research dedicated to multiword expressions that function as single semantic units. These conventionalized combinations of words—ranging from idioms and collocations to phrasal verbs and proverbs— form an essential component of linguistic competence and cultural expression. A defining characteristic of these expressions is their frequent semantic opacity, where the meaning of the whole phrase is not merely the sum of its constituent parts but rather a unique, often figurative, concept. This non-compositional nature poses significant challenges for language learners, translators, and linguists alike, particularly in a cross-linguistic context. This thesis investigates the intricate semantic structure of phraseological units, analyzing their behavior in translation and the substantial challenges they pose for achieving cross-linguistic equivalence. By employing a comparative methodology with examples drawn from English and Uzbek, this research aims to shed light on the mechanisms of meaning construction in phraseology and the strategies required for their accurate interpretation and transfer between languages. The study is situated within the broader framework of how language, thought, and culture intersect, asserting that phraseological units are not merely linguistic ornaments but fundamental reflections of a language's worldview. Classification of Phraseological Units Phraseological units can be categorized based on the semantic contribution of their components: Real words: elements that retain their literal meaning. Potential words: elements with weakened or vague meanings. "Former" words: elements whose meanings have been reinterpreted. "Ghost-words": elements that do not exist outside the phraseological unit. This classification helps explain the semantic cohesion and opacity of such expressions. Semantic Analysis and Cross-Linguistic Comparison A central feature of phraseological units is their transformed or figurative meaning, which often diverges from literal interpretation. For example: INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “MODERN APPROACHES IN TEACHING EXACT AND NATURAL SCIENCES: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS”, MAY 30, 2025 819 "When pigs fly" (unrealistic event) corresponds to "Tuyani dumi yerga tekganda" in Uzbek. "Break a leg" (wish good luck) is rendered as "Omadingni bersin." "Have a sweet tooth" translates as "Shirinlikxo'r." Such examples illustrate varying degrees of semantic motivation and cross-linguistic equivalence. Translation Challenges and Strategies Translating phraseological units requires accounting for both semantic content and cultural context. Key challenges include: Identifying whether a unit is motivated (transparent) or unmotivated (opaque). Selecting equivalents that preserve connotative meaning and evaluative function. Avoiding literal translation where it leads to loss of meaning or misunderstanding. Examples such as "Beauty is but skin deep" - "Tashqi ko'rinish aldamchi bo'ladi" demonstrate the need for functional rather than literal translation. Conclusion Phraseological units are complex linguistic constructs whose meanings are shaped by structural, historical, and cultural factors. This study demonstrates that translating these units requires not only linguistic competence but also deep cultural awareness. Through comparative analysis of English and Uzbek examples, we have shown how semantic equivalence can be achieved through various translation strategies that prioritize functional meaning over literal correspondence. The research confirms that phraseological units serve as crucial elements of cultural cognition rather than mere linguistic decorations. Their non-compositional nature demands careful consideration of cultural context and semantic nuances during translation. The classification system examining different types of words within these units provides valuable insights into their semantic structure. This study underscores phraseology's role in bridging language structure and social cognition, while highlighting the need for further research into lesser-studied language pairs like English-Uzbek. As global communication expands, understanding these cross-linguistic nuances becomes increasingly vital for effective cross-cultural communication. REFERENCES 1. Alieva, Z. A. PHRASEOLOGY - AS A LINGUISTIC DISCIPLINE. - Online source: World Bulletin of Social Sciences (WBSS), 2023.- P. 27. 2. Autelli, E. The origins of the term phraseology. – Universität Innsbruck, Österreich, [email protected] 2021 P. 7. 3. N.Z.Nasrullaeva. The main problems of English phraseology. Textbook. -- Samarkand: "Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages" publishing house, 2024. -- P. 3. 4. Subbotina, V. Kazakh-British Technical University, English Language Department, Tole bi street 59, Almaty city, 050000, Kazakhstan 5. Zerkina N. English phraseology in teaching: Interrelation of theory and practice. Magnitogorsk, Chelyabinskaya region, 455038, Russia bNosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, the Head of International Affairs Office. INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “MODERN APPROACHES IN TEACHING EXACT AND NATURAL SCIENCES: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS”, MAY 30, 2025 820