A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ANIMAL-BASED PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK

Abstract

This article presents a comparative analysis of animal-based phraseological units in English and Uzbek, focusing on their semantic, structural, and cultural characteristics. Using a qualitative comparative methodology, the study examines idioms drawn from dictionaries and linguistic corpora to identify how different animals are used metaphorically in each language. The findings reveal both universal patterns—such as the use of common animals to describe human behavior—and culturally specific symbolism rooted in environmental conditions, folklore, and historical traditions. The research highlights key distinctions, such as differing associations with animals like wolves or camels, and emphasizes the importance of cultural context in interpreting and translating idioms. The study contributes to phraseological research by expanding understanding of how language and culture interact in shaping metaphorical expression.