CROSS-LINGUISTIC SEMANTIC AND PRAGMATIC STUDY OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK CONTEXTS

Abstract

This study explores the cross-linguistic semantic and pragmatic features of phraseological units in English and Uzbek languages, focusing on their structural, cultural, and functional dimensions. Phraseological units, including idioms, fixed expressions, and culturally bound phrases, represent an essential part of linguistic competence and reflect the worldview of their speakers. The research aims to identify similarities and differences in meaning construction, usage contexts, and pragmatic functions of these units in both languages. Special attention is given to the influence of cultural background on the interpretation and translation of idiomatic expressions. The study employs a comparative linguistic approach, analyzing selected phraseological units from English and Uzbek corpora to reveal patterns of equivalence, partial equivalence, and non-equivalence. The findings indicate that while some phraseological units share universal semantic features, many are deeply rooted in culture-specific concepts, making direct translation challenging. The research also highlights pragmatic aspects such as politeness, emotional coloring, and discourse function in both languages. Overall, the study contributes to a better understanding of intercultural communication and translation studies, emphasizing the importance of cultural competence in interpreting phraseological units across languages.