Fauna symbols in Uzbek and English cultural spaces
Abstract
In this article, we focus on one of the most efficient expressive language tool, namely, a symbol. In dictionaries, the word “symbol” is determined as follows: 1) an object, character, event that is used instead of another object in a symbolic condition; 2) a sign, number, letter that has a fixed meaning in science such as mathematics, chemistry and so on. However, our interest is directed to a language symbol, specifically, animalistic symbols whose meaning cannot be deducted from the literal definitions, but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only through conventional use. Conceptual meanings of the symbols are expressed through linguistic units like words, yet its social or extra-linguistic meaning is based on experiences in a daily life. Furthermore, the study includes symbols which reflect the linguocultural aspects of English language by comparing them with the Uzbek ones, being highly associated with the cultural, religious and historical ties.