Translation and Cultural Adaptation of Proverbs from Uzbek and English Literature (A Case Study of Abdulla Qahhor and O. Henry)
Keywords:
proverb translation, cultural adaptation, Abdulla Qahhor, O. Henry, literary translation, cross-cultural communication, Uzbek literature, American literature, domestication, foreignizationAbstract
This study examines the translation and cultural adaptation challenges of proverbs in literary works by Abdulla Qahhor and O. Henry, two masterful short story writers whose narratives are deeply embedded with culturally-specific proverbial expressions. Through comparative analysis of original texts and their translations, this research explores how translators navigate the delicate balance between preserving cultural authenticity and ensuring comprehension for target audiences. The investigation reveals that successful proverb translation requires not merely linguistic competence but profound cultural knowledge and creative adaptation strategies. Findings demonstrate that domestication and foreignization approaches each offer distinct advantages depending on context, audience, and narrative function of the proverbs within the literary works.
References
Baker, M. (2018). In other words: A coursebook on translation (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Nida, E. A., & Taber, C. R. (2003). The theory and practice of translation. Brill.
Newmark, P. (1988). A textbook of translation. Prentice Hall.
Venuti, L. (2008). The translator's invisibility: A history of translation (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Mirzaev, T., & Musaev, K. (2015). Folkloric elements in Uzbek literature: Translation and interpretation. Central Asian Studies Journal, 12(3), 245-267.
Qahhor, A. (1980). Selected stories. Tashkent: Gʻafur Gʻulom Literature and Art Publishing House.
Qodirova, Z. (2025). MASTERING PHRASAL VERBS: A KEY TO FLUENT ENGLISH. MODERN PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION AND THEIR SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS, 1(6), 414-415.
Qodirova, Z. (2025). TIMELESS TRUTHS: HOW PROVERBS SHAPE AND ENRICH LITERATURE. " GLOBAL MUNOSABATLAR NAZARIYASI: YOSHLARNING TARAQQIYOT GʻOYALARI" xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjumani materiallari, 1(2), 147-149.
Qodirova, Z. (2025). PROVERBS AS PRAGMATIC TOOLS IN UZBEK AND ENGLISH DISCOURSE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS. Journal of Applied Science and Social Science, 1(1), 660-666.
Ziyodaxon, Q. (2025). THE IMPACT OF TOURISM ON LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: A NEW APPROACH TO TEACHING ENGLISH. TANQIDIY NAZAR, TAHLILIY TAFAKKUR VA INNOVATSION G ‘OYALAR, 1(8), 170-172.
O. Henry. (2006). The complete short stories of O. Henry. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics.
Wray, A., & Perkins, M. R. (2000). The functions of formulaic language: An integrated model. Language & Communication, 20(1), 1–28.