NEW WORDS AND NEOLOGISMS IN THE UZBEK LANGUAGE: FACTORS OF FORMATION

Аннотация

В статье рассматриваются факторы формирования новых слов и неологизмов в узбекском языке. Глобализация, технологический прогресс, социальные и культурные изменения способствуют появлению новых лексических единиц. В исследовании освещаются заимствования, способы словообразования и влияние средств массовой информации на развитие языка. Ключевые слова: неологизмы, новые слова, развитие языка, современная лексика, заимствования, языковые изменения Annotatsiya: Mazkur maqolada o‘zbek tilida yuzaga kelayotgan yangi so‘zlar va neologizmlarning shakllanish omillari tahlil qilinadi. Globalizatsiya, texnologik taraqqiyot, ijtimoiy va madaniy o‘zgarishlar yangi leksik birliklarning paydo bo‘lishiga sabab bo‘lmoqda. Tadqiqotda tilga o‘zlashmalar, so‘z yasash usullari va ommaviy axborot vositalarining ta’siri yoritiladi. Kalit so‘zlar: neologizm, yangi so‘zlar, til rivoji, zamonaviy leksika, o‘zlashmalar, til o‘zgarishi Language is a living, evolving entity that constantly adapts to the changing needs of its speakers. In the modern world, where technological innovation, globalization, and rapid social transformation are daily realities, languages are under increasing pressure to expand and update their lexicons. This is especially true for Uzbek, a Turkic language spoken by over 35 million people primarily in Uzbekistan and surrounding regions. As the Uzbek society modernizes and engages more 261 SCIENCE SHINE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL Issue 13(48), Volume 1 | ISSN 3030-377X | 5.06.2025 actively in global discourse, the language naturally absorbs new concepts, inventions, and phenomena — often through the creation of new words and the adoption of neologisms. Neologisms — newly coined words or expressions — serve as linguistic tools that help societies articulate emerging realities, describe novel ideas, and keep pace with scientific and technological progress. In the Uzbek language, neologism formation is influenced by a range of internal and external factors, including historical developments, sociopolitical changes, cultural exchange, and media influence. Moreover, the transition from the Cyrillic to Latin alphabet, as well as efforts to purify the language from excessive borrowings during various periods, has also played a role in shaping the modern Uzbek lexicon. This study aims to explore the mechanisms through which new words and neologisms are formed in the Uzbek language, and to analyze the social, linguistic, and cultural forces that drive these processes. Particular attention will be given to the role of media, education, youth culture, and technological advancement, which serve both as catalysts for lexical innovation and as channels through which neologisms are disseminated. Additionally, the paper will examine the different types of neologisms in Uzbek — including borrowings, compound words, affixations, and semantic shifts — and will reflect on the implications of these changes for the standardization and future development of the language. By investigating these aspects, the study seeks not only to document the evolution of modern Uzbek vocabulary but also to contribute to broader discussions on language development, identity, and adaptation in a globalized world. Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is a dynamic and living reflection of a nation’s culture, identity, worldview, and historical experience. As societies evolve, so too do the languages they speak. One of the most visible and essential signs of this linguistic evolution is the continuous emergence of new words and expressions — commonly referred to as neologisms. In the 21st century, the pace of lexical innovation has accelerated significantly, driven by globalization, digital communication, scientific advancement, and the growing interconnectedness of cultures. Within this global linguistic landscape, the Uzbek language is undergoing a remarkable process of transformation, characterized by the rapid expansion of its vocabulary to accommodate the needs of a modernizing society. Uzbek, a Turkic language with deep historical roots and a rich literary tradition, has long been influenced by a variety of external languages, including Arabic, Persian, Russian, and more recently, English. Throughout different historical periods 262 SCIENCE SHINE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL Issue 13(48), Volume 1 | ISSN 3030-377X | 5.06.2025 — from the era of the Silk Road, through the Soviet regime, to the post-independence phase — the Uzbek lexicon has been continuously enriched and reshaped. In the post-Soviet era, particularly after Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991, the country has embarked on a path of national revival and linguistic self-assertion. This has included the transition from the Cyrillic to the Latin script, the revitalization of Turkic roots in the language, and an active reconsideration of lexical purity versus practicality. In this dynamic socio-linguistic context, the rise of neologisms in the Uzbek language is not only