Pragmatic Functions of Proverbs in the Short Stories of Abdulla Qahhor and O. Henry: A Comparative Cross-Cultural Analysis

Abstract

This research paper presents a comparative pragmatic analysis of proverbs in the short stories of Abdulla Qahhor, a prominent Uzbek writer, and O. Henry (William Sydney Porter), a celebrated American author. Proverbs, as condensed units of cultural wisdom, are not merely decorative elements but potent pragmatic tools that perform a range of communicative actions. This study investigates how both authors, despite their disparate linguistic and cultural backgrounds, employ proverbs and proverbial expressions to execute specific speech acts, such as persuading, admonishing, offering social commentary, and generating irony. Using a qualitative textual analysis framework grounded in speech act theory and cross-cultural pragmatics, this paper examines a curated selection of short stories from each author. The analysis focuses on how proverbs contribute to characterization, shape dialogue, and establish a distinct authorial voice. The findings reveal both universal and culturally specific strategies in the pragmatic application of proverbs. While O. Henry often uses proverbial expressions to create humor and surprise endings characteristic of his style, Qahhor integrates them to offer profound, often somber, critiques of societal norms and human fallibility. This study concludes that a pragmatic lens offers a deeper understanding of the sophisticated literary artistry of both authors, highlighting how proverbs function as a bridge between cultural ethos and narrative intent, enriching the texts with layers of meaning that transcend their literal interpretations.