LEXICOGRAPHIC STUDY OF ZOOMORPHIC METAPHORS (IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES)

Аннотация

This article explores zoomorphic metaphors in English and Uzbek, focusing on their lexicographic presentation. It outlines how these metaphors enrich language expressiveness and reflect cultural values. The comparative analysis and dictionary-based study reveal their semantic, stylistic, and functional characteristics. Keywords:zoomorphicmetaphor, lexicography, semantics, function, comparativeanalysis 1.Introduction Metaphors, particularly zoomorphic ones, play a significant role in both English and Uzbek. These metaphors attribute animal characteristics to humans and serve as tools of vivid expression. The study aims to analyze how these metaphors are used and presented in dictionaries of both languages and to understand their semanticand cultural implications. 2.Methods This research uses descriptive and comparative methods. Dictionaries such as the Oxford Idioms Dictionary and Uzbek phraseological dictionaries were examined. Zoomorphic metaphors were collected, categorized by animals, and analyzed based on their meanings, frequency, and stylistic usage. 3.Results Examplesof zoomorphicmetaphors: English: -As slyas a fox –cunning person -Abear witha sorehead –irritableperson -Snake inthe grass –untrustworthy person Uzbek: -Tulkidek ayyor –cunning likeafox -Bo‘riday yovuz –cruel likeawolf -Iloqdek chaqqon –agile likeaweasel In both languages, metaphors express not just character but also emotional attitude. These metaphors are found both indaily speech and formal texts. 25 INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SJIF2019:5.2222020:5.5522021:5.6372022:5.4792023:6.5632024:7,805 eISSN:2394-6334 https://www.ijmrd.in/index.php/imjrd Volume12,issue05(2025) 4.Discussion The metaphors found in English and Uzbek show both universal and culture-specific elements. While some animals (e.g., fox, wolf) convey similar traits, the choice of animals and their symbolic meanings can differ based on national perception. Lexicographically, English dictionaries tend toincludemore fixed idioms,whileUzbek sources mayvary in consistency. 5.Conclusion Zoomorphic metaphors reflect human attitudes and cultural values. Their analysis through lexicography provides insight into language richness and worldview. This study contributes to metaphor research and highlights theneed for morecomparativestudies in linguisticimagery.