This article analyzes the role of emojis and stickers as paralinguistic tools in contemporary Uzbek written discourse. The study examines their usage in social media platforms such as Telegram and Instagram among young people. Emojis and stickers are shown to function as substitutes for words, conveying emotions, intonation, and mood. The article discusses both positive and negative effects of their use on written communication and their impact on the norms of the literary language. The findings indicate that while emojis and stickers enrich the written discourse and enhance expressiveness, overuse may negatively affect the purity and clarity of the Uzbek language.
Keywords
emoji, sticker, Uzbek language, written discourse, paralinguistics, social media, linguistic transformation
Introduction
Globalization and the rapid development of digital technologies have significantly influenced the written discourse of young people. Social media platforms, including Telegram, Instagram, and TikTok, have introduced new visual tools such as emojis and stickers. These tools act as paralinguistic elements in written communication, replacing certain words while conveying emotions, tone, and mood.
This study aims to explore the role of emojis and stickers in contemporary Uzbek written discourse, their effects on communication, and the implications for language norms. Despite the popularity of these visual elements, research on their specific impact on the Uzbek language remains limited, making this investigation both relevant and timely.
Methods
The research utilized the following methods:
Observation – Analysis of messages, posts, and stories from Telegram and Instagram among Uzbek-speaking youth.
Descriptive analysis – Examination of how emojis and stickers convey emotions and intentions.
Comparative analysis – Comparison of traditional Uzbek written language with discourse enriched by emojis and stickers.
Example-based linguistic analysis – Selection of the 10 most frequently used emojis and stickers for detailed study.
Results and Discussion
Real examples from social media:
“I am so sad ” – The emoji conveys the mood clearly and quickly.
“Happy birthday! ” – Visual elements express celebration and joy.
“I didn’t accept his words ” – Emojis intensify emotional intonation.
“I posted a story, like it ” – Stickers and emojis provide quick instructions or calls to action.
Analysis:
Emojis and stickers enrich written discourse and allow fast, effective emotional expression.
Among young people, these tools often replace words to convey meaning succinctly.
Overuse, however, may violate literary norms and make the text less understandable.
Strong academic statements:
“According to the author’s observations, emojis and stickers in contemporary Uzbek written discourse primarily serve to enhance emotional expressiveness and condense communication.”
“Code-switching to visual elements is not merely a linguistic phenomenon but also reflects social identity and youth’s inclination toward modernity.”
“Social media platforms accelerate the integration of paralinguistic elements into written Uzbek discourse.”
Depression – A Disease of Modern Society. Stress and its Effects on the Body. The Problem of Psychological Strain Among Students. Social Media and Mental Health
This article provides information about depression, stress, psychological exhaustion among students, the impact of social media, and psychosomatics. Today, many people live under constant psychological pressure. In particular, feelings of depression and mental strain have increased among young people. The article explains the causes of these problems and ways to prevent them. The effects of stress on the human body are described in simple terms. In addition, the relationship between mental state and the body is explained.
Modern life is very fast-paced. People work a lot, study a lot, and are constantly in a hurry. As a result, psychological fatigue and stress have become more common. Some individuals constantly feel sad, depressed, or exhausted. This condition is not just ordinary sadness; in some cases, it may be a medical disorder.
Students also experience significant stress due to academic responsibilities, examinations, and concerns about their future. Moreover, social media has a strong influence on mental well-being. In recent years, depression and stress have become among the most widespread problems worldwide. Psychological strain is especially increasing among students.
Social media has become an inseparable part of our lives. Although it can be useful, it may also have negative effects on human health when used excessively.
Main Part:
Depression – A Disease of Modern Society
Depression is a long-lasting state of low mood. A person constantly feels sad and loses interest in daily activities. They may feel worthless or hopeless. Interest in work, studies, or favorite hobbies decreases. Sleep patterns are disturbed, and appetite may either decrease or increase.
Depression is not just ordinary sadness. If this condition persists for a long time, it is important to seek professional help.
Stress and Its Effects on the Body
Stress is the body’s response to difficult or challenging situations. For example, feeling nervous before an exam is a form of stress. Short-term stress is not harmful and can even improve performance.
However, chronic stress is dangerous. It may cause a rapid heartbeat, headaches, and increased blood pressure. If stress continues for a long time, it can lead to stomach problems and other physical illnesses.
It is important to emphasize that psychological strain is common among students. They study extensively and prepare for exams continuously. Examinations, academic pressure, and parental expectations create additional stress. Lack of sleep and insufficient rest worsen mental exhaustion.
As a result, concentration decreases, irritability increases, and mood becomes unstable.
Social Media and Mental Health
Social media platforms are useful, but excessive use can be harmful. People often compare their lives with others online. This may create the impression that “everyone is happy except me.”
Such thoughts reduce self-confidence and may lead to feelings of depression. Therefore, it is important to use social media in moderation.
What Is Psychosomatics?
Some illnesses are related to a person’s psychological state. For example, when someone feels anxious, their physical condition may worsen. When a person is afraid, their heart rate increases.
This shows that mental health is closely connected to physical health. Therefore, Prevention and Recommendations:
-Maintain a proper sleep schedule and adequate rest
-Engage in regular physical exercise
-Use social media in moderation
-Communicate openly with family and friends
-Seek medical or psychological help when necessary.
References:
1-General Psychology Textbook
2-World Health Organization – Depression and other mental health materials
3-Hans Selye – Stress theory and its effects on the body
Rich Murphy’s latest collections, Elephant by Bass Clef Books, Storage Shed and Inside Stories by Resource Publications and Mind of Europe: A Genealogy to The Fat Man and Susan Constant by Cyberwit were published 2024-2025, following First Aid and Footholds (2023). Asylum Seeker (2018) was published by Press Americana. His poetry won The Poetry Prize at Press Americana twice for Americana (2013), The Left Behind (2021), and Gival Press Poetry Prize for Voyeur (2008). His first book was The Apple in the Monkey Tree by Codhill Press (2007).
A prospective specialist acquiring knowledge in Economics and Pedagogy
The Motif of Fear in Abdulla Qahhor’s Short Story “Daxshat”:
The Clash Between Psychology and Social Environment
Abstract
This article analyzes the short story “Daxshat” by the prominent Uzbek writer Abdulla Qahhor. In the work, the motif of fear is not presented merely as a narrative element, but as a manifestation of the violation of individual social rights and profound psychological suffering. The story is examined from the perspective of modern psychology, particularly through the theory of fear developed by Sigmund Freud. The literary-critical views of Ozod Sharafiddinov and Matyoqub Qo‘shjonov are also discussed in a scholarly and publicistic manner.
Keywords: Abdulla Qahhor, “Daxshat”, Unsin, motif of fear, social oppression, realism, cemetery.
Abdulla Qahhor entered Uzbek literature like “a ray of light.” Each of his short stories represents a small world; however, carrying the weight of this world requires considerable emotional and intellectual readiness from the reader. Despite their concise form, Qahhor’s stories possess deep psychological intensity.
As literary scholar Ozod Sharafiddinov noted:
“Qahhor turns his gaze to such layers of the human soul where the boundary between fear and courage, baseness and nobility, is thinner than a strand of hair.”
The image of Unsin in Abdulla Qahhor’s short story “Daxshat” exists precisely on this fragile psychological boundary. Analyzing Unsin’s inner experiences through the lens of modern psychology—specifically Sigmund Freud’s theory of fear—helps reveal the core essence of the work. Freud classified fear into three types: real fear, neurotic fear, and moral fear. In Unsin’s character, all three forms tragically collide.
Real Fear and the External Environment
According to Freud, real fear arises from a tangible danger in the external world. For Unsin, the nighttime cemetery, wild animals, or corpses represent real sources of danger. However, Qahhor’s artistic mastery lies in using real fear merely as a background element rather than the central focus. When Unsin enters the cemetery, his mind sends a signal to “escape,” yet social pressure and coercion shackle his movements and suppress this instinct.
Moral Fear and the Superego
Moral fear emerges from a person’s sense of responsibility toward their conscience and the moral norms imposed by society. Freud explains this phenomenon through the concept of the Superego. Unsin fears not the horror of the cemetery as much as Dodkho’s wrath and the violation of his honor and dignity. His tragedy lies in the fact that the Superego—social obligation—defeats his instinct for survival. Although he fears death, he trembles even more at the prospect of living in forced submission with Dodkho.
Neurotic Fear
The most critical moment in the story occurs when Unsin’s foot sinks into the mud and he imagines that he has stepped on a corpse. This episode is a classic example of neurotic fear as defined by Freud. Here, the threat does not originate from the external world but from the individual’s internal imagination. Under extreme emotional tension and panic, rational thinking collapses. Unsin’s unconscious fears are awakened, and reality is interpreted in a horrifying manner. As a result, the human psyche cannot withstand such pressure.
Regarding this scene, Ozod Sharafiddinov states:
“Unsin’s death is not merely a cardiac arrest, but the collapse of a human imagination that crashes into the terrifying wall it has created itself.”
Literary scholar Matyoqub Qo‘shjonov writes:
“It was not the cemetery that killed Unsin, but the remnants of outdated traditions that enslaved his will and the violation of human dignity that led him to this state.”
Conclusion
The motif of fear in Abdulla Qahhor’s “Daxshat” serves as a symbolic representation of a society in which personal freedom is suppressed. Through Unsin’s tragic death, the author exposes the ugly reality of his era and highlights the individual’s psychological loneliness. The story demonstrates that fear is not solely generated by external threats, but is intensified by inner powerlessness and social oppression.
In my view, for contemporary readers, this story stands as a profound moral lesson emphasizing the importance of protecting human dignity and liberating individuals from the shackles of fear and ignorance.
References
Qahhor, A. Selected Works. Tashkent: G‘afur G‘ulom Publishing House, 2010.
Sharafiddinov, O. The Difficult Path of Creativity. Tashkent: Literature and Art, 1980.
Qo‘shjonov, M. The Mastery of Abdulla Qahhor. Tashkent: Fan, 1988.
Freud, S. Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis. (translated edition)
