IDENTIFYING AND IMPROVING THEMATIC GROUPINGS IN IDEOGRAPHIC DICTIONARIES OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES

Abstract

This article explores the thematic classification systems within ideographic dictionaries of the English and Uzbek languages, focusing on identifying discrepancies, strengths, and potential areas for improvement. While ideographic dictionaries serve as powerful tools in lexical organization, translation, language teaching, and cognitive linguistics, inconsistencies in thematic grouping and structure limit their effectiveness. The research applies a comparative qualitative analysis of selected ideographic dictionaries—most notably Roget’s Thesaurus for English and prominent Uzbek ideographic dictionaries—to examine how concepts are categorized, connected, and presented.

The study identifies key challenges in both languages, including culturally embedded categorizations, lack of standard hierarchical models, and underdeveloped digital implementations, especially in the Uzbek context. Furthermore, the article proposes several strategies for enhancement, such as integrating corpus linguistics data, employing artificial intelligence techniques for dynamic categorization, and developing a unified cross-linguistic thematic hierarchy. These innovations aim to improve the accuracy, usability, and pedagogical value of ideographic dictionaries.

By critically comparing the two languages' ideographic systems, the study offers practical and theoretical insights for linguists, lexicographers, educators, and digital developers, contributing to the broader goal of advancing lexicographic quality and multilingual accessibility.