LINGUISTIC CHARACTERISTICS AND LINGUOCULTURAL ASPECTS OF METAPHORS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper examines the linguistic and cultural dimensions of metaphors in English and Uzbek, two distinct languages with unique metaphorical systems. Metaphors, as cognitive tools, shape how individuals conceptualize abstract ideas by linking them to familiar experiences. Through a detailed comparative analysis, this study aims to uncover the similarities and differences between metaphors in both languages, focusing not only on linguistic features but also on how they reflect the cultural, social, and cognitive environments of English and Uzbek speakers. The paper argues that metaphors in each language are deeply rooted in the respective cultural contexts, thus highlighting the broader cognitive and sociocultural patterns inherent in language use. The findings suggest that while both languages utilize similar conceptual metaphors, their forms and expressions are influenced by different worldviews, which have significant implications for cross-cultural communication and translation.