CULTURAL MODELS OF KINSHIP: A COGNITIVE LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK METAPHORS
Abstract
This article describes how kinship and family relationships are conceptualized through metaphorical language in English and Uzbek from a cognitive linguistic perspective. The study focuses on identifying culturally grounded metaphorical patterns that shape the understanding of family roles in both languages. A qualitative comparative method is applied to analyze data derived from idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and naturally occurring language use. The results indicate that although both linguistic systems demonstrate shared conceptual tendencies, such as viewing family as a unified entity and parents as sources of emotional support, notable differences arise due to cultural contexts. Uzbek metaphors tend to emphasize social hierarchy, collective identity, and respect for elders, whereas English expressions often reflect individual-centered perspectives and flexible family structures. The findings highlight the role of metaphor in encoding cultural knowledge and cognitive patterns.