LINGUOSTYLISTIC AND LINGUOCULTURAL FEATURES OF HYPERBOLE, MEIOSIS AND LITOTES IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LITERARY DISCOURSE

Abstract

This article examines the linguostylistic and linguocultural characteristics of hyperbole, meiosis, and litotes in English and Uzbek literary discourse. The study explores how these stylistic devices function not only as rhetorical tools but also as reflections of cultural values, communicative traditions, and social norms. Hyperbole is analyzed as a form of deliberate exaggeration used to intensify emotion, satire, and dramatic effect, while meiosis and litotes are examined as forms of understatement that express modesty, irony, politeness, and implicit evaluation. Particular attention is given to the comparative analysis of stylistic usage in the works of Charles Dickens and Abdulla Qodiriy. The article demonstrates that English literary discourse tends to employ hyperbole for individual-centered criticism and satire, whereas Uzbek literary discourse often uses exaggeration and understatement to reinforce collective identity, emotional solidarity, and cultural harmony. The research highlights the important role of stylistic exaggeration and understatement in translation studies and intercultural communication, showing how linguistic expression reflects national mentality and worldview. The findings contribute to comparative stylistics, linguoculturology, and cross-cultural literary analysis.