SEMANTIC AND CULTURAL COMPARISON OF IDIOMS IN UZBEK AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES

Abstract

This article examines the semantic and cultural dimensions of idiomatic expressions in the Uzbek and English languages. The research addresses the problem of translating culturally loaded idioms accurately across languages, a task that often poses challenges for linguists and translators. A comparative-descriptive method was used, with idioms selected from reliable dictionaries and academic sources focusing on four thematic categories: animals, food, body parts, and weather. The analysis reveals that while a number of idioms share universal metaphors, many Uzbek idioms contain local cultural imagery and historical connotations that lack direct English equivalents. The findings demonstrate that literal translation is insufficient and that translation requires strategies such as cultural adaptation or paraphrase. The study concludes that cultural literacy is essential for accurate interpretation and translation of idioms, and that idioms play a vital role in constructing national identity and worldview.