Linguocultural Features of Proverbs in Abdulla Qahhor’s and O. Henry’s Works

Abstract

This research paper presents a comparative linguocultural analysis of proverbs in the literary works of the Uzbek writer Abdulla Qahhor and the American author O. Henry. Proverbs, as succinct expressions of folk wisdom, are potent carriers of cultural values, societal norms, and national mentalities. This study examines how these two prominent authors, from vastly different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, employ proverbs to enrich their narratives, develop characters, and reflect the worldviews of their respective societies. By analyzing a curated selection of proverbs from their short stories, this paper identifies both the thematic convergences and divergences that mirror the cultural parallels and contrasts between early 20th-century Uzbekistan and America. The research focuses on how proverbs in Qahhor’s works often underscore collectivism, respect for elders, and the significance of community, while those in O. Henry’s stories frequently highlight individualism, self-reliance, and the pursuit of personal aspirations, often encapsulated within the concept of the "American Dream." The study utilizes a qualitative methodology, combining literary analysis with linguocultural interpretation to explore the semantic and pragmatic functions of these proverbs. The findings reveal that despite their distinct cultural origins, both authors use proverbs to convey universal human experiences such as love, loss, and the struggle for a better life, thereby offering a nuanced understanding of how literature serves as a repository of cultural memory and a medium for cross-cultural dialogue.