CULTURAL IDENTITY THROUGH PROVERBS: A COMPARATIVE LINGUACULTURAL STUDY OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK PROVERBS

Abstract

Proverbs are concise linguistic expressions that encapsulate cultural knowledge, traditional wisdom, and value systems shared by speech communities. This paper examines how English and Uzbek proverbs reflect cultural identity through linguistic structure and thematic content. Drawing on the theoretical framework of linguaculture, the study compares selected English and Uzbek proverbs according to thematic categories such as individualism, collectivism, work ethic, social hierarchy, hospitality, and interpersonal relationships. The findings indicate that English proverbs tend to emphasize personal responsibility, autonomy, and pragmatic reasoning, whereas Uzbek proverbs highlight collectivism, honor, communal cooperation, and the sacredness of hospitality. The comparative analysis demonstrates that proverbs serve as communicative tools through which cultural identity is transmitted and reinforced across generations.