A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS RELATED TO PROFESSIONS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES

Аннотация

Phraseological units play an important role in reflecting the cultural, social and professional realities of the linguistic community. This article examines phraseological units related to the profession in English and Uzbek, analyzes their structure, semantics, cultural connotations and usage. This study highlights both common features and differences due to linguistic and socio-cultural factors. Key words: Phraseological units, idioms, set expressions, comparative linguistics, cultural semantics, figurative language, sociolinguistics, pragmatic function, fixed expressions. Introduction. Phraseological units, or idiomatic expressions, are stable combinations of words, the meaning of which is often figurative and is not derived from the literal meaning of their individual components. Many of these units are based on professional terminology reflecting society's attitudes towards certain professions. Both English and Uzbek are rich in phraseology, but cultural and historical differences lead to different ways of conceptualizing professions. This comparative study explores how professions are encoded idiomatically in these two languages and what such expressions say about cultural values and worldviews. Phraseological units, also called idioms or stable expressions, have been the focus of linguistic and cultural research for decades. Scientists such as A. V. Kunin (1996) define phraseological units as stable phrases with a figurative meaning, often connected culturally and historically. In English linguistics, the study of idioms has shifted from structural classification (Fernando, 1996) to cognitive and pragmatic approaches that explore how idioms reflect social realities, including attitudes towards professions. In literary studies, idioms are not just decorative language but serve to build character identity, reveal social roles, and enhance cultural realism. For instance, the phrase “a cog in the machine” in George Orwell’s works symbolizes depersonalization in bureaucratic professions. Similarly, “a light touch” in medical contexts reflects ethical expectations of doctors in narrative fiction. The integration of professional phraseology into literature reveals ideological stances toward work, class, and morality. As scholars like Gläser (1984) suggest, idiomatic expressions in fiction are highly contextual, tied to the author’s worldview and the reader’s cultural competence. www.pedagoglar.org 44-to’plam_2-qism_Iyun-2025 368 Ta'limda raqamli texnologiyalarni tadbiq etishning zamonaviy tendensiyalari va rivojlanish omillari Phraseological units can be classified into: Idioms (e.g., “bite the dust”), Phrasal verbs (e.g., “carry out”), Collocations (e.g., “hard-working teacher”), Proverbs and sayings (e.g., “A good doctor saves more lives than a soldier”). In this study, we focus primarily on idioms and figurative expressions related to professions. A backseat driver – A person (not the driver) who gives unwanted advice, especially someone interfering in someone else's job. Professionally rooted in driving, but figuratively used in management, relationships, etc. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians – Too many leaders and not enough workers. From Native American professions, reflecting on organizational imbalance. Hammer and tongs – To fight or work with great energy or force. From blacksmithing, implies intensity in any professional or emotional interaction. Pull rank – To use one's superior position to gain advantage. Military origin, now common in corporate contexts. Paper pusher – A person whose job is mostly bureaucratic and not action-based. Reflects criticism of office jobs as meaningless. Jack of all trades, master of none – A person who knows a bit of everything but isn’t an expert in anything. Refers to multiskilled workers, often with a negative tone. Examples in Uzbek and Their Interpretation Temirchi bo‘lsa ham, qo‘li gul – Even if he’s a blacksmith, his hands are like flowers (skilled, gentle). Reflects respect for manual labor and craftsmanship. Qo‘li yengil shifokor – A doctor with a “light hand” (skilled, causes no pain). High regard for medical professionals. O‘qituvchi – mehnat fidoyisi – The teacher is a devotee of labor. Highlights the respect and moral status of teachers in Uzbek society. Hokim – xalq xizmatkori – A governor is a servant of the people. Emphasizes responsibility and humility in governance. Yozuvchining qalamiga suv kelgan – The writer’s pen has found water (he is in spired or productive). A poetic way to talk about a writer’s success. Etikdo‘zning etikisi yirtilgan – The shoemaker’s shoes are torn. Similar to English “The shoemaker's children go barefoot” – a professional neglects their own needs. www.pedagoglar.org 44-to’plam_2-qism_Iyun-2025 369 Ta'limda raqamli texnologiyalarni tadbiq etishning zamonaviy tendensiyalari va rivojlanish omillari Here is a table providing comparative insides of phraseological units related to professions in English and Uzbek languages