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3EURASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURE
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CROSS CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF COLOUR IDIOMS IN ENGLISH, RUSSIAN AND KARAKALPAK LANGUAGES Abdullaeva Sayyora
Trainee-teacher of the department "English linguistics", The faculty of Foreign languages, Karakalpak State University https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14250330
EURASIAN |0URNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURE
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Received: 25th November 2024 Accepted: 29th November 2024 Online: 30th November 2024
KEYWORDS Cross-cultural analysis, color idioms, English language, Russian language, Karakalpak language, cultural significance, linguistic diversity, emotions and symbolism, idiomatic
expressions.
This article presents a cross-cultural analysis of color idioms in English, Russian, and Karakalpak languages, exploring how each culture utilizes colors to convey specific meanings and emotions. Through examining idioms associated with primary colors such as red, and blue, the study reveals both universal themes and unique cultural perspectives. This research enhances our understanding of how color idioms encapsulate cultural values and societal norms, providing insights into the linguistic diversity and cultural richness of these languages.
Idioms are integral components of any language, providing vivid and often culturally rich expressions that go beyond the literal meanings of the words. They encapsulate the values, beliefs, and experiences of a society, making them a fascinating area of study for linguists and cultural scholars alike [5, 40-45]. Among idioms, those involving colors are particularly intriguing as they use universally recognized symbols to convey specific meanings, emotions, and cultural nuances [6, 38-39]. This article presents a cross-cultural analysis of color idioms in English, Russian, and Karakalpak languages. By examining idioms associated with primary colors such as red and blue, this research aims to uncover how each culture employs these colors to express a range of concepts, from emotions to social roles and life experiences. Through this comparative analysis, the article aims to highlight both the shared human experiences and the distinct cultural contexts that shape the use of color idioms. Understanding these idiomatic expressions provides deeper insights into the linguistic diversity and cultural richness of English-speaking, Russian, and Karakalpak communities.
Analysis of Red Idioms
English Russian Karakalpak
See red Красная площадь Qizil ju'zi soliw
Meaning: To become very angry. Meaning: Red Square (a famous historical and political site in Moscow). Meaning: to feel sick, pale face
This idiom likely stems from the association of red with danger and heightened The word"красная" in Russian can mean both "red" and "beautiful." Red Square, In the Karakalpak language, "qizil" as an expression for feeling sick highlights the
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emotions. In many cultures, red is a color that signifies alertness and intensity, often linked with blood and fire. The idiom "see red" reflects a surge of strong emotions, much like the warning signals associated with the color. thus, is not just named for its color but also for its historical and cultural significance. This idiom underscores the positive connotations of red in Russian culture, where it can symbolize beauty, festivity, and importance. connection between physical symptoms and emotional states. This reflects broader cultural beliefs about health and the significance of colour in conveying complex human experiences.
Red-handed Красная цена (Krasnaya tsena) Qizil shu'berek
Meaning: Caught in the act of doing something wrong. - Meaning: A fair or exact price. Meaning: a woman
The idiom "caught red-handed" originates from the imagery of a person having blood on their hands, implicating them in a violent act. Over time, it has come to be used more broadly for anyone caught in the act of wrongdoing, emphasizing the association of red with guilt and evidence of misdeeds. Cultural Context: This idiom uses "red" to indicate fairness and precision. In this context, red is associated with correctness and appropriateness, reflecting a cultural appreciation for balance and fairness. In Karakalpak culture, "qizil shu'berek" means a woman which symbolizes rich in meaning, encompassing beauty, tradition, emotional depth, and cultural identity. It reflects both personal expression and broader societal values, making it a significant choice in various contexts.
Analysis of Blue Idioms
"Feeling blue" - Meaning: Feeling sad or depressed. - Cultural Context: The color blue in this idiom is associated with sadness and melancholy. This connection might stem from the somberness of overcast skies or the coldness of winter, both of which are often depicted with shades of blue. The idiom highlights the emotional state of sorrow or depression, reflecting the cultural association of blue with subdued and somber emotions. Синяя птица" (Sinyaya ptitsa) - Meaning: Bluebird, symbolizing happiness or a dream come true. - Cultural Context: In Russian culture, the bluebird is a symbol of joy and good fortune. This idiom represents an ideal or cherished aspiration, where blue is associated with positive and hopeful connotations. It contrasts with the English use of blue to denote sadness, highlighting cultural differences in color symbolism. Ko'k aspanday - Meaning: As vast as the blue sky. - Cultural Context: In Karakalpak culture, the color blue (ko'k) signifies vastness, freedom, and the natural environment. This idiom emphasizes the expansive and limitless nature of the sky, reflecting the nomadic heritage and the significance of the open landscape in Karakalpak society.
Out of the blue -Meaning: Unexpectedly, without warning. - Cultural Context: This idiom draws on the imagery of a Синий чулок" (Siniy chulok) -Meaning: Blue stocking, referring to an intellectual or bookish woman. 2. Ko'k tumar -Meaning: Blue talisman, symbolizing protection and good fortune.
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clear blue sky, suggesting something appearing suddenly without prior indication. It reflects the idea
of surprise and unpredictability, emphasizing how events can emerge from seemingly calm and stable circumstances.
- Cultural Context: Borrowed
from the English term "bluestocking," this idiom in Russian describes a woman who is intellectual, scholarly, or overly serious about her
studies. It can carry a somewhat pejorative tone, implying that the person is out of touch with social norms or practical matters, reflecting a cultural stereotype about intellectual women.
- Cultural Context: Blue is considered a protective color
in Karakalpak culture. The idiom "ko'k tumar" refers to a talisman or amulet believed to bring good luck and shield the
bearer from harm. It highlights the cultural value placed on spiritual protection
and the positive attributes associated with the color blue.
In English, red is strongly associated with intense and often negative emotions, such as anger and guilt. This highlights its connection to heightened emotional states and urgency. Russian idioms, on the other hand, display a unique duality in their use of red. The color not only represents beauty but also precision and exactness, reflecting the country's historical and cultural context. In Karakalpak, red is linked to sharpness, wit, and caution. This reflects cultural values that emphasize eloquence, protection, and conservation, positioning red as a color that embodies both intellect and the need for vigilance.
In English, blue is primarily associated with sadness, melancholy, and unexpected events. The color is often linked to emotional states and surprise, emphasizing its emotional depth. However, in Russian, blue represents both happiness and intellectual pursuits. It holds a broader range of meanings, from joy and dreams to scholarly endeavors, illustrating the multifaceted symbolism of the color. In Karakalpak, blue symbolizes vastness, freedom, and protection, reflecting the deep connection to nature and spirituality. This highlights the cultural importance of blue in representing the natural world and spiritual well-being.
Conclusion. In conclusion, both red and blue carry distinct emotional and symbolic meanings across English, Russian, and Karakalpak cultures. While the emotional impacts of red and blue differ, these colors are woven into the fabric of each culture's language, reflecting their unique values and histories. This analysis underscores the importance of cultural context in shaping how colors are perceived and used in idiomatic expressions, ultimately demonstrating the rich interplay between language, culture, and symbolism.
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