LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF SEMANTIC EQUIVALENCE AND STYLISTIC CHALLENGES IN THE TRANSLATION OF PROVERBS RELATED TO KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE

Abstract

This study explores the semantic equivalence, stylistic features, and pragmatic functions of proverbs related to knowledge and ignorance in Uzbek and English, focusing on the challenges encountered in their translation. Using a qualitative linguo-pragmatic framework, a corpus of thirty proverbs from each language was analyzed to identify patterns of semantic shifts, stylistic adaptations, and pragmatic modifications. The findings reveal that while some proverbs maintain close semantic alignment, a majority require adaptive translation strategies due to culture-specific idiomatic expressions and differing cultural conceptions of knowledge. Stylistic elements such as metaphorical imagery, rhythm, and tone often undergo alteration or loss, impacting the proverb’s aesthetic and mnemonic qualities. Pragmatic analysis highlights the necessity of cultural sensitivity to preserve the communicative intent and moral functions of proverbs across languages. This study underscores the importance of an integrated linguo-pragmatic approach in proverb translation, emphasizing the balance between linguistic fidelity and cultural adaptation. The results contribute valuable insights for translators and educators engaged in cross-cultural communication and translation practice.