PRAGMATIC INTERPRETATION OF THEONYM-BASED PROVERBS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK

Abstract

This article examines the pragmatic interpretation of theonym-based proverbs in English and Uzbek. The study focuses on the communicative functions of theonyms such as God, Xudo, and Tangri within proverbial discourse. From a pragmatic perspective, proverbs are treated as context-dependent utterances performing indirect speech acts rather than literal statements. Using a qualitative comparative method, the research analyses selected proverbs to identify their illocutionary force, speaker intention, and cultural presuppositions. The findings indicate that English theonym-based proverbs tend to employ theonyms symbolically to express moral responsibility, whereas Uzbek proverbs reveal a stronger connection to religious belief and emotional involvement. The study highlights the importance of cultural and religious context in understanding pragmatic meaning.