CC BY
0THE LINGUOCULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK FOLK
TALES Tursunbayeva Shaxnoza
Master's student of Turan International University https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14587533
Abstract: This study explores the linguocultural characteristics of English and Uzbek folk tales, examining how language and culture are intertwined in shaping the narrative structures, themes, and moral lessons of these two distinct traditions. By analyzing the linguistic features, cultural values, and storytelling practices, this research highlights the ways in which language reflects the worldview of each culture. The study also compares the role of oral traditions, religious influences, and the universality of themes such as good versus evil, illustrating how these stories, while sharing common elements, are deeply shaped by their cultural contexts.
Keywords: linguocultural characteristics, folk literature, cultural values, cultural identity, comparative folklore, narrative structure, social norms, ethical teachings
ЛИНГВОКУЛЬТУРНЫЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ АНГЛИЙСКИХ И УЗБЕКСКИХ НАРОДНЫХ СКАЗОК
Аннотация: В этом исследовании изучаются лингвокультурные характеристики английских и узбекских народных сказок, изучается, как язык и культура переплетаются в формировании повествовательных структур, тем и моральных уроков этих двух различных традиций. Анализируя языковые особенности, культурные ценности и практики повествования, это исследование подчеркивает способы, которыми язык отражает мировоззрение каждой культуры. Исследование также сравнивает роль устных традиций, религиозных влияний и универсальность таких тем, как добро против зла, иллюстрируя, как эти истории, хотя и имеют общие элементы, глубоко сформированы их культурными контекстами.
Ключевые слова: лингвокультурные характеристики, народная литература, культурные ценности, культурная идентичность, сравнительный фольклор, повествовательная структура, социальные нормы, этические учения
INGLIZ VA O'ZBEK XALQ ERTAKLARINING LINGVOMADANIY
XUSUSIYATLARI
Annotatsiya: Ushbu tadqiqot ingliz va o'zbek xalq ertaklarining lingvomadaniy xususiyatlarini o'rganadi, til va madaniyatning bu ikki o'ziga xos an'ananing hikoya tuzilmalari, mavzulari va axloqiy saboqlarini shakllantirishda o'zaro bog'liqligini o'rganadi. Til xususiyatlari, madaniy qadriyatlar va hikoya qilish amaliyotini tahlil qilish orqali ushbu tadqiqot tilning har bir madaniyatning dunyoqarashini aks ettirish usullarini yoritadi. Tadqiqot shuningdek, og'zaki an'analarning roli, diniy ta'sirlar va yaxshilik va yomonlik kabi mavzularning universalligi taqqoslanadi, bu hikoyalar umumiy elementlarni baham ko'rish bilan birga, ularning madaniy kontekstlari bilan qanday chuqur shakllanganligini ko'rsatadi.
Kalit so'zlar: lingvomadaniy xususiyatlar, xalq adabiyoti, madaniy qadriyatlar, madaniy o'ziga xoslik, qiyosiy folklor, hikoya tuzilishi, ijtimoiy me'yorlar, axloqiy ta'limot
INTRODUCTION
Folk tales have been an essential part of human culture for centuries, serving as a medium to pass down traditions, morals, and societal values from one generation to the next. The study of folk tales through a linguocultural lens offers valuable insights into the interplay between language and culture, revealing how language shapes and reflects the worldview of a community identiity. This is particularly true when comparing folk tales from different cultures, such as those of English and Uzbek traditions.English and Uzbek folk tales, though differing in language, structure, and themes, share a common role in preserving cultural identity and social norms. They offer a glimpse into the moral codes, beliefs, and customs that have defined these societies over time. By analyzing the linguistic features of these tales, such as vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and narrative structures, alongside their cultural context, we can better understand how language serves as a vehicle for cultural transmission.This exploration of the linguocultural characteristics of English and Uzbek folk tales highlights the unique ways in which language reflects cultural identity, while also emphasizing the universal human themes that these stories convey. The comparison of these two traditions provides a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of folklore, showcasing both the diversity and the commonality of human experience.
The study of folk tales has long been a subject of interest in fields such as anthropology, linguistics, and cultural studies. One of the earliest works on the relationship between language and culture in folk tales is that of Benedict Anderson's "Imagined Communities" (1983), which explores how narratives contribute to the construction of cultural identity. Anderson argues that stories, such as folk tales, create a shared sense of belonging and a common cultural narrative that binds individuals within a particular society. These tales reflect the historical, social, and political realities of a community, preserving its values, norms, and beliefs over time.
Vladimir Propp (1928) have examined the structural components of folk tales, particularly focusing on the recurring themes and character archetypes in Russian folklore[3]. His work, Morphology of the Folktale, is a foundational text in folklore studies that emphasizes the importance of linguistic and narrative patterns in storytelling. Propp's analysis revealed how folk tales in various cultures share universal motifs and structures, such as the hero's journey, and how these structures are expressed through specific linguistic devices. B Brian Sutton-Smith's work (1986) on children's play and folklore reveals the connection between English folk tales and the developmental process of children. He argues that folk tales play a crucial role in shaping children's understanding of social norms and the larger world around them, with language acting as a tool for socialization. Muhammad Ali Azimov (1994) have studied Uzbek folk literature, emphasizing how tales preserve the collective memory of the Uzbek people, often integrating elements of Sufism, Islamic teachings, and pre-Islamic beliefs. In his analysis, Azimov discusses how the narrative structures and linguistic expressions in Uzbek folk tales are deeply embedded in the nation's cultural history. Abdurauf Fitrat (1995), a prominent Uzbek cultural theorist, explored how Uzbek folk tales convey the ideals of wisdom, justice, and the importance of community. He notes that the linguistic features in these tales, such as the use of proverbs, metaphors, and rhymed verse, enhance the cultural and moral lessons within the stories.
METHOD
The analysis of the linguocultural characteristics of English and Uzbek folk tales requires a multidimensional approach that combines elements of linguistic analysis, cultural studies, and comparative folklore. For English folk tales, the corpus may include well-known collections such as those compiled by Joseph Jacobs, The Brothers Grimm, and Andrew Lang, along with regional
and lesser-known stories. For Uzbek folk tales, the corpus will include classic tales from collections by Abdurauf Fitrat, Tursunali Rakhimov, and Muhammad Ali Azimov, along with stories passed down through oral traditions. The tales will be selected based on their linguistic richness, cultural significance, and their representation of common folk themes such as heroism, morality, and social norms. A central aspect of this study will be examining the linguistic features of the folk tales to understand how language is used to convey cultural values and meanings. Several linguistic techniques will be employed Analyzing the vocabulary used in the tales to identify key cultural concepts, metaphors, proverbs, and idiomatic expressions. For example, certain words and expressions may reflect national values, such as the use of specific honorifics in Uzbek culture or the archetypal roles in English folk tales (e.g., the wise old man, the hero, etc.). Comparing how sentence structure and grammatical features in English and Uzbek folk tales contribute to narrative style, such as the use of parallelism, repetition, or rhythmic patterns in both traditions. This will help reveal how language reflects cultural storytelling practices and aesthetics.
A direct comparative approach will be used to identify both similarities and differences in the linguocultural features of English and Uzbek folk tales. Analyzing how storytellers use voice modulation, gestures, and audience interaction to convey cultural meanings. This aspect will help examine the performative dimension of folk tales, emphasizing the role of the storyteller in shaping cultural and linguistic nuances.The final stage of the research will involve synthesizing the findings from linguistic analysis, cultural contextual analysis, and comparative studies. The study will be guided by theories of linguistic relativity, cultural anthropology, and folklore studies. Key theoretical frameworks that may inform the analysis include: Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorfs Theory of Linguistic Relativity, which explores how language influences thought and worldview. Vladimir Propp's Morphology of the Folktale, which helps identify recurring structures and themes in folk tales[3]. Mikhail Bakhtin's Theory of the Dialogic Imagination, focusing on how language in narratives is shaped by cultural and social dialogues.
RESULTS
The results of the study on the linguocultural characteristics of English and Uzbek folk tales reveal both profound similarities and significant differences in how language and culture intertwine in these two traditions. Through the linguistic analysis, cultural contextual examination, and comparative approach, several key findings emerged regarding the distinctive and shared features of these folk tales. The vocabulary used in both English and Uzbek folk tales reflects core cultural values. In English folk tales, terms associated with individualism, morality, and personal achievement dominate, such as "hero," "quest," and "reward." These words align with the AngloSaxon cultural emphasis on personal virtue, struggle, and individual triumph. In contrast, Uzbek folk tales often feature vocabulary related to community, divine will, and collective wisdom. Words like "muqaddas" (sacred), "do'st" (friend), and "aylanish" (togetherness) underscore the importance of social harmony, spirituality, and community cohesion in Uzbek culture. This difference reflects the individual-centric narrative in English stories versus the collective-oriented worldview in Uzbek folklore.
The use of metaphors and idiomatic expressions in both traditions reveals culturally specific ways of thinking. For instance, English folk tales commonly employ metaphors based on nature or personal qualities, such as "a heart of gold" or "as brave as a lion," emphasizing individual traits and virtues. Uzbek folk tales, however, frequently incorporate metaphors drawn from the natural world, such as "mountains do not meet, but people do," or from Sufi teachings, reflecting notions of fate, interconnectedness, and the cyclical nature of life. Both traditions display
certain narrative structures like the hero's journey, but the linguistic execution differs. English folk tales often use straightforward, direct language with a focus on action and resolution. The character types in both traditions, such as the hero, the villain, and the wise elder, display both similarities and cultural distinctions. Uzbek folk tales frequently feature characters who embody not
only personal traits but also moral or spiritual archetypes. The hero might be a humble, wise figure who seeks spiritual enlightenment, such as in the tales of Nasreddin Hodja, whose wit and wisdom reflect not only intelligence but also divine insight. The villain in Uzbek tales is often a figure who defies the moral or spiritual laws of the community, emphasizing the cultural importance of divine justice and collective ethics. The storyteller's role is to entertain and inform, keeping the audience engaged through suspense or humor.
DISCUSSION
The analysis of the linguocultural characteristics of English and Uzbek folk tales provides an illuminating perspective on how language and culture shape storytelling traditions in different societies. While both cultures utilize folk tales to preserve and transmit moral values, social norms, and historical narratives, the linguistic and cultural underpinnings of these stories reveal distinct worldviews. This discussion will focus on the significance of these findings, considering both the universal aspects of folk tales and the cultural particularities that make the English and Uzbek traditions unique. One of the most striking aspects of the analysis is the role of language in expressing cultural identity. English folk tales often emphasize individualism and personal achievement, values deeply rooted in Western cultures. The recurring focus on personal virtues such as bravery, wit, and perseverance highlights a worldview that prioritizes individual autonomy and self-reliance. For example, tales like Jack and the Beanstalk or Cinderella depict characters who, through their own actions, rise above adversity. The linguistic choices in these tales—direct, clear, and action-oriented—mirror a society that values personal agency and moral rectitude.
The language of these stories is imbued with references to religious and philosophical teachings, such as the idea of divine providence or the importance of inner wisdom. For example, many Uzbek folk tales invoke the idea of "qismat" (destiny), emphasizing that human effort must align with divine will in order to be successful. This focus on spirituality is a defining feature of Uzbek folk tales, shaping both their language and their moral lessons. Thus, while both traditions are influenced by religion, the ways in which these religious values are woven into the narrative differ based on the religious and cultural contexts of each society.
CONCLUSION
The study of the linguocultural characteristics of English and Uzbek folk tales reveals that while both traditions share universal storytelling elements, they also highlight distinct cultural values and linguistic practices. English folk tales emphasize individualism, justice, and personal achievement, while Uzbek folk tales emphasize community, spiritual wisdom, and divine guidance. Through their unique linguistic and cultural lenses, these folk tales provide valuable insights into the cultural identities of their respective societies. Understanding these differences enhances our appreciation of folk literature as a reflection of both universal human themes and the unique cultural contexts in which they are expressed.
References:
1. Bascom, W. (1965). The Forms of Folklore: Prose Narratives. Journal of American Folklore, 78(307), 3-20. Discusses the structure and function of folk tales across cultures, providing a foundational understanding of folklore.
2. Propp, V. (1968). Morphology of the Folktale. University of Texas Press. Examines the structural elements of folk tales, offering a framework for analyzing narrative functions and patterns.
3. Mieder, W. (2004). Proverbs: A Handbook. Greenwood Publishing Group. Investigates the role of proverbs in folk tales, emphasizing their cultural significance and linguistic characteristics.
4. Karimov, A. A. (2019). Cultural Identity in Uzbek Folklore. Uzbek Journal of Cultural Studies, 10(2), 45-60. Analyzes the role of Uzbek folk tales in preserving cultural values and religious traditions.
5. Abdurakhmanova, Z., & Tursunova, D. (2020). The Role of Folklore in Uzbek National Culture. Central Asian Folklore Journal, 15(3), 78-90. Explores the linguistic and cultural significance of folk tales in Uzbekistan.
6. Jones, S. (1995). Folk Tales of England. Oxford University Press. A collection of English folk tales that highlights cultural themes, archetypes, and moral lessons.
7. Taylor, A. (1948). English Folklore. Folklore Society Publications. Provides an overview of English folk traditions, including linguistic elements and cultural values reflected in folk tales.
8. Crystal, D. (2003). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge University Press. Examines the relationship between language, culture, and storytelling in English literature and folklore.
9. Holbek, B. (1987). Interpretation of Fairy Tales: Danish Folklore in a European Perspective. Suomalainen Tiedeakatemia. Explores cultural perspectives and linguistic interpretations of folk tales, including English narratives.
