THE ROLE OF ETHNOLINGUISTICS IN UNDERSTANDING PROVERBS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UZBEK AND ENGLISH CULTURES

Аннотация

Annotation This article examines the role of ethnolinguistics in understanding proverbs through a comparative analysis of Uzbek and English cultural traditions. Drawing on ethnolinguistic theory, the study explores how proverbs function as cultural artifacts that encode collective wisdom, values, and worldviews within their respective societies. The research analyzes Uzbek proverbs (maqol) which reflect themes of patience, family harmony, and divine providence, shaped by Central Asian geography and Islamic civilization. In contrast, English proverbs emphasize individual agency, time consciousness, and practical wisdom, reflecting Protestant work ethic and capitalist influences. While both traditions address universal human concerns such as friendship, morality, and hard work, they approach these themes through distinctly different cultural lenses. By analyzing proverbs related to agriculture and clothing, the article reveals significant differences and shared values between Uzbek and English traditions. The paper further highlights how linguistic mechanisms—such as metaphor, rhythm, and syntax—serve to encode cultural meaning and ensure intergenerational transmission. The findings underscore the value of ethnolinguistic analysis in promoting cross-cultural understanding and suggest avenues for future research in paremiology, cognitive linguistics, and cultural preservation.