LINGUOCULTURAL ASPECTS OF FOLK PROVERBS WITH THE LEXEME “TEA”

Аннотация

Proverbs have always been a subject of attention for researchers as a mirror reflecting the identity, uniqueness, culture, and socio-political life of a nation. They are a synthesis of the spiritual image, ideals, dreams, aspirations, and reflections on nature and society of the hardworking people, as well as a generalized expression of life experience. Therefore, the scientific study of folk proverbs from linguistic-poetic, linguocultural, and anthropocentricperspectives is ofgreat relevance. This article analyzes the place of the concept of tea in Uzbek, Chinese, and Russian cultures, the meanings expressed by this word, and the linguocultural features of proverbs involving the lexeme“tea.” Keywords: concept, linguoculturology, associative background, proverb, lexeme, lacuna, microfield. Linguoculturology reflects the traditions and culture of a people through various conceptual units. The transition of words from diachronic to synchronic stages, the enrichment of the field of linguistics, and the expression of various connotative meanings of words are all the lifeblood oflinguistics. In linguoculturology, one of the concepts that reflects the ancient traditions and national identity of a people is tea. The tea concept has distinctive features that demonstrate our national values. Tea is not only a symbol of Uzbek identity, but also of Chinese, Russian, and other nations.As weknow, Chinais thehomeland oftea, and teaholds aspecial place intheir culture. And in Russia? How significant is tea in Russian cultural life? Many people believe coffee, not tea, is the national beverage in Russia. But is this really so? According to V.V. Pokhlebkin, a researcherofRussian tea culture: “Russian dramaturgy gives a clear answer to the sensitive and often debated question of national pride—what is Russia’s true national drink: tea (even if it is Chinese tea) or our own vodka?The answer istea. Why? Because tea has been consumed in all Russian plays from the 18th century to the present. Not only is tea consumed continuously, but it is consumed throughout the history of Russian dramaturgy by all social classes. Therefore, tea has ultimately become a nationwide, ‘classless’ beverage. Thisvery aspect makes tea auniqueand truly national phenomenon.” [4,15] page11 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue07,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai As seen from this, tea represents not only adrink but a linguocultural competence in Uzbek, Russian, and Chinese cultures. Tea expresses not only a literal meaning but also other conceptual content. In different “cultural layers” (according to Y.S. Stepanov), it conveys different meanings. For example, inRussian culture, “tea”expresses the followingmeanings: 1.“plant”; 2.“dried leaves”; 3.“beverage”; 4.“tea-drinking ceremony.” In Chineseculture, teaexpresses these facets: 1.beverage; 2.plant; 3.dark brown color; 4.engagement gift; 5.teaoil. In Uzbekculture, theconceptual unitof teaappears indifferent contexts: 1.abasis for naming anational eating establishment (choyxona); 2.afirst token of hospitality whenaguest arrives; 3.amirrorreflecting agirl’s delicacy and wisdom(a bride-to-be serves tea first); 4.athirst-quenching beverage (even in summer, both hot andcold tea are consumed); 5.ametonym forfood ingeneral (e.g., “Comein, we have acup of tea”); 6.ameans for warm, sincere conversation; 7.aremedy for headaches; 8.acure for many ailments.[ 1,64] Clearly, tea takes on various forms and meanings across cultures. These meanings can createcultural lacunae for speakers ofdifferent nations. For example, theassociation oftea with hospitality and ceremony may be a lacuna for Chinese people, while the meaning of tea as “dark brown” may be similarly unfamiliar to Uzbeks. Tea thus forms multiple microfields depending onthecontext. page12 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue07,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai Notably, the Chinese value the pure, natural taste of tea and never add anything to it. However, in Uzbek and Russian cultures, tea is often consumed with honey, sugar, lemon, or mint, or accompanied bysweets. In Chineseliterature, there are many tea-related proverbs. For example: 1.“It is betterto liveaday withoutfood than aday withouttea.”[4, 13] This reflects the value placed on tea inChineseculture, emphasizing its daily roleas a source of energy, relaxation, and health. 2.“Acup ofhigh-quality teasaves theneed fora doctor.” [4,13] In traditional Chinesemedicine, teais considered healing. 3.“In thedaytime, theskin covers thewater; at night, thewater covers theskin.” [4,13] This metaphor relates to Chinese medicine, suggesting that evening tea relaxes the body and reduces stress. 4.“No ceremony iscompletewithout tea.”[4,13] Thisemphasizes the sacred a