Identifying Restricted Vocabulary in Literary Works
Author: Usmonaliyeva Bahora Abduvali qizi
Affiliation: Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Email: usmonaliyevabahora@gmail.com
Abstract
This article analyzes restricted lexical units utilized in literary texts, specifically focusing on the linguistic and stylistic properties of dialectisms, phraseological units, and idiosyncratic authorial expressions. The research explores the formation of phraseological units, their variation processes, and their functional roles within artistic discourse. Furthermore, through the analysis of works by Abdulla Qahhor and Tog‘ay Murod, the study demonstrates the significance of idioms in character development, psychological portrayal, and the enhancement of aesthetic impact. The findings provide valuable theoretical and practical insights into the study of literary linguistics.
Keywords: literary work, restricted vocabulary, phraseological unit, dialectism, literary text, stylistic features, lexical layer, imagery, individual style, language and society.
INTRODUCTION
Literature serves as a complex system reflecting human psychology, societal life, and an author’s aesthetic vision through linguistic means. Within this system, the lexical layer holds a distinct position, serving as a vital tool for unfolding content, animating characters, and intensifying artistic resonance. In particular, restricted vocabulary—comprising dialectisms, professionalisms, phraseological units, and socio-lectal markers—plays a crucial role in shaping an author’s individual style and realistically depicting the portrayed environment.
The study of the functional characteristics of lexical units in literary texts remains a prominent issue in modern linguistics. The purposeful use of diverse linguistic layers not only elevates aesthetic value but also provides a clearer illumination of a character’s social background, worldview, and emotional state. Consequently, analyzing restricted vocabulary in literary contexts is of significant scientific importance in revealing the profound link between language and society. This article examines the application, types, and artistic functions of lexical layers, specifically restricted vocabulary, supported by evidence from selected literary works.
Historical Context and Terminological Foundations of Turkic Phraseology
While phraseology as an independent branch of Turkic linguistics emerged relatively late, its scholarly roots trace back to the early 20th century. Initially, various terms were employed in place of “phraseology,” a process influenced by the linguistic traditions of that era. In early 20th-century grammatical works, the term “phrase” was often used to denote a sentence or clause, differing from its modern sense—a phenomenon attributed to the influence of Russian grammar.
Azerbaijani linguists B. Cho‘ponzoda and F. Og‘azoda, in their work Grammar of the Turkic Language, introduced significant terminological innovations. Alongside “Semasiology” and “Stylistics,” they utilized the term “Idiomatism,” citing Turkic expressions such as boshga solmoq (to explain/instill) and ko‘z ko‘rmoq (to witness) as primary examples. Systematic research into Turkic phraseology gained momentum in the 1940s and 50s. Prominent scholars S.K. Kenesboyev and Sh.U. Rahmatullayev are recognized as the founders of this field, having classified Turkic idioms and established the discipline’s theoretical framework.
Methodology
To determine the linguistic and stylistic features of phraseological units, the following scientific methods were employed:
Descriptive Method: Used to characterize the relationship between form and meaning, structural composition, and the position of idioms within literary norms. This method was particularly instrumental in detailing the variation processes of numerical components in idioms.
Comparative-Typological Analysis: Applied to identify commonalities and differences in phraseology between the Uzbek and Karakalpak languages. For instance, the equivalent forms of the idiom ko‘zi ilindi (to doze off) were examined through this lens.
Contextual Analysis: This served as the primary method for identifying the function of idioms within the works of Abdulla Qahhor and Tog‘ay Murod. Beyond literal meanings, the analysis focused on the specific emotional-expressive nuances (e.g., irony, sarcasm, or affection) these units acquired within the text.
Linguostatistical Method: Employed to validate the artistic impact of repetitions in Tog‘ay Murod’s style. For example, the repetition of the phrase mo‘min-mazlum (pious-oppressed) six times within a 33-word segment was analyzed statistically.
Literary Analysis I: Abdulla Qahhor’s Phraseological InnovationThe artistic mastery of Abdulla Qahhor is evident in his ability to create new, individualized idioms based on general phraseology. Qahhor crafts expressions so profound and ironically sharp that they often attain the status of folk aphorisms, making it difficult to distinguish his original creations from traditional idioms.
Every phraseological unit is rooted in a specific image or action. Qahhor leverages these foundational images to develop phraseological neologisms. For example, in the idiom og‘zi qulog‘iga yetdi (his mouth reached his ears), the physical imagery of a wide smile is used to convey intense joy.
Furthermore, he adapts metaphorical proverbs, reinterpreting existing imagery to instill them with unique semantic and stylistic functions.
Literary Analysis II: Variation and Structural RelationsAlthough phraseological units are stable, they undergo transformations in speech, leading to new variants. Substituting numerical components often intensifies the descriptive coloring without altering the core meaning. For instance, the common idiom biri ikki bo‘ldi (doubling one’s wealth) appears as biri besh bo‘ldi (increasing fivefold) in Cho‘lpon’s novel Kecha va kunduz to exaggerate the accumulation of wealth. Similarly, numerical variations in expressions like obro‘yi bir pul bo‘ldi (his reputation became worth one cent) versus uch pul (three cents) remain semantically equivalent, both denoting a total loss of dignity.
Literary Analysis III: Tog‘ay Murod’s Folk Mastery
Tog‘ay Murod’s novel Otamdan qolgan dalalar (Fields Left by My Father) is distinguished by its natural, folk-oriented language. The author skillfully employs idioms to reveal character traits and thematic depth, stating that he intended the work to be a linguistic monument to the spiritual identity of the Uzbek people. Murod utilizes the Surkhandarya dialect and colloquialisms to maintain authenticity. This is seen in the character Dehqonqul, whose simple nature is mirrored in the language used by his mother; instead of harsh rebukes, she uses affectionate scolding like “Oshingni yeyin sen tentakni”.
Repetition is another hallmark of Murod’s style, used to heighten emotional resonance. Statistical analysis shows that in one 33-word passage, the descriptor mo‘min-mazlum is repeated six times to emphasize the character’s plight.
Conclusion
Phraseological units manifest both as common linguistic units and as restricted vocabulary bound by dialect or individual authorial style. In the works of Qahhor and Murod, these units serve as essential tools for psychological depth and vivid imagery. Ultimately, the strategic use of restricted lexis enriches the linguistic map of literature.
References
1.Rahmatullayev, Sh. (1992). Phraseological Dictionary of the Uzbek Language. Tashkent: Qomuslar. 2.Kenesbayev, S.K. (1977). Phraseological Dictionary of the Kazakh Language. Almaty: Gilim. 3.Cho‘ponzoda, B., & Og‘azoda, F. (1924). Grammar of the Turkic Language. Baku. 4.O‘rozov, A.T. (2009). On the linguistic features of Tog‘ay Murod’s “Fields Left by My Father.” Language and Literature Education Journal, (5), 45-47. 5.Sadullayeva, D. Phraseological neologisms in A. Qahhor’s works and their semantic-stylistic functions. 6.Qahhor, A. (1987-1989). Selected Works. Tashkent: G‘afur G‘ulom. 7.Murod, T. (1994). Fields Left by My Father (Novel). Tashkent: Sharq. 8.Cho‘lpon. (2014). Night and Day (Novel). Tashkent: Yangi asr avlodi. 9.Ziyonet Educational Portal: https://api.ziyonet.uz/uploads/books/47828