LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF PALEONYMS IN THE LANGUAGE SYSTEM

Z AMONAVIY TA'LIMDA FAN VA INNOVATSION TADQIQOTLAR http://zamtadqiqot.uz/index.php/ZTFITJ/index 3-son 15–to’plam 2025 y. 10 LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF PALEONYMS IN THE LANGUAGE SYSTEM Maftuna Turaeva Uzbekistan State World Languages University [email protected] Abstract. This paper explores the linguistic features of precious stones in the language system, focusing on their etymology, semantics, lexical categorization, and cultural significance. Precious stone names not only denote mineral objects but also carry metaphorical and symbolic meanings in literature, proverbs, and folklore. The study highlights the dual role of gemstone terminology as both scientific terms and poetic symbols. Keywords. Precious stones, gemstone terminology, etymology, semantics. Paleonyms, also known as precious stones, have fascinated humans for centuries. Beyond their aesthetic value, they carry symbolic, cultural, and economic significance. Linguistically, gemstone names represent a specific lexical layer reflecting etymology, semantics, and cultural symbolism. According to Vinogradov (1972), specialized terminology like gemstone names forms a "lexical field" that preserves historical and cultural information within a language. Studying gemstone terminology allows linguists to trace cultural contacts, semantic shifts, and metaphorical language development. This paper aims to analyze the linguistic features of gemstone names with references to etymological, semantic, lexical, and cultural linguistic perspectives, drawing on the research of notable scholars in lexicology and cultural linguistics. a) Etymological Analysis Gemstone names have diverse etymological origins, reflecting cross-cultural interactions: Z AMONAVIY TA'LIMDA FAN VA INNOVATSION TADQIQOTLAR http://zamtadqiqot.uz/index.php/ZTFITJ/index 3-son 15–to’plam 2025 y. 11  Diamond comes from the Greek adamas, meaning “unconquerable” (Crystal, 2003).  Sapphire derives from Latin sapphirus and ultimately Sanskrit śanipriya, demonstrating ancient trade connections (Dalby, 2004).  Emerald originates from Arabic zumurrud, which passed into European languages via Latin.  Ruby stems from Arabic yāqūt, influencing Persian, Turkic, and European languages. Ashurova (2018) emphasizes that borrowed terms in mineralogical vocabulary often retain cultural significance from their language of origin, showing how language preserves knowledge about natural resources. b) Semantic Features Gemstone names carry both denotative and connotative meanings: Diamond symbolizes strength and purity; metaphorically, it denotes moral or emotional firmness. Ruby represents love and courage, often used metaphorically in poetry and folklore. Emerald symbolizes life, fertility, and nature; it appears in idiomatic expressions across cultures. Vinogradov (1972) notes that metaphorical and poetic use of specialized vocabulary reflects a "semantic extension" where scientific terms gain figurative meanings in literature and oral tradition. For example: English: “a diamond heart”, “emerald city” Uzbek: “olmosdek qadrli” (“as precious as a diamond”) c) Lexical-Semantic Grouping Gemstone names form a terminological subgroup within mineralogical vocabulary but are actively used in poetic discourse: Scientific usage: precise mineralogical definitions, e.g., diamond as a crystal form of carbon (Crystal, 2003). Z AMONAVIY TA'LIMDA FAN VA INNOVATSION TADQIQOTLAR http://zamtadqiqot.uz/index.php/ZTFITJ/index 3-son 15–to’plam 2025 y. 12 Poetic usage: metaphorical and expressive functions in literature, proverbs, and daily speech (Ashurova, 2018). This dual role supports semantic layering, as described by Vinogradov (1972), showing how terms function in both technical and aesthetic registers. d) Linguo-Cultural Aspects Gemstone names reflect cultural values: In Western culture, diamond = forever symbolizes eternal love (Crystal, 2003). In Uzbek culture, olmos symbolizes strength and endurance, used in epics and proverbs (Ashurova, 2018). Emerald is linked to paradise and fertility in Islamic and European traditions, showing cross-cultural convergence. According to Vinogradov, linguistic analysis of culturally significant terms reveals collective memory and cultural identity encoded in language. Paleonyms demonstrate a dual linguistic role: terminological (scientific) and poetic (figurative). Etymological analysis shows historical borrowing and crosscultural exchange, while semantic analysis reveals metaphorical extensions in literature and folklore. Linguo-cultural perspectives illustrate how gemstones encode social and symbolic values. Scholarly analysis confirms that gemstone terminology is not only important for mineralogical science but also for understanding the cultural and linguistic heritage of societies (Vinogradov, 1972; Ashurova, 2018). Precious stones, therefore, illuminate both material and linguistic worlds, bridging natural science and human culture. References: 1. Vinogradov, V.V. (1972). Problems of Lexicology. Moscow: Nauka. 2.Ashurova, D. (2018). Cultural and Linguistic Aspects of Specialized Vocabulary. Tashkent: Fan. Z AMONAVIY TA'LIMDA FAN VA INNOVATSION TADQIQOTLAR http://zamtadqiqot.uz/index.php/ZTFITJ/index 3-son 15–to’plam 2025 y. 13 3.Crystal, D. (2003). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 4. Dalby, A. (2004). Dictionary of Languages: The Definitive Reference to More Than 400 Languages. New York: Columbia University Press.