A NATIONAL THOUGHT MODEL THROUGH THE CONCEPT OF “HAND”: A COGNITIVE-SEMANTIC ANALYSIS IN THE UZBEK LANGUAGE
Keywords:
Cognitive semantics, Uzbek language, “Hand” (qo'l), national thought model, metaphor, metonymy, ethnocultural consciousness, phraseology.Abstract
The human body serves as a universal source domain for metaphorical and metonymic thinking across all cultures, yet the specific linguistic expressions and their underlying cognitive models vary significantly, reflecting unique national and cultural worldviews. This article presents a cognitive analysis of the concept of “hand” (Uzbek: qo'l) in the Uzbek language, aiming to reveal the national thought model embedded within its semantic structure and phraseology. Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of cognitive semantics and linguistic relativity, the study examines a corpus of Uzbek proverbs, idioms, and everyday expressions featuring the word qo'l. The analysis demonstrates that beyond its literal anatomical meaning, qo'l is a central conceptual metaphor for themes of labor, skill, assistance, power, and social interaction in Uzbek culture. The findings suggest that the Uzbek national thought model, as reflected through this concept, highly values hard work, collective support, and moral integrity, providing a unique insight into the ethnocultural consciousness of the Uzbek people.
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