TIME AND SPACE IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK SOCIOPRAGMATICS: CHALLENGES OF INTERPRETING AND TRANSLATING IN MULTILINGUAL, MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract
This paper investigates the sociopragmatic dimensions of time and space in English and Uzbek, focusing on their implications for interpreting and translation in multilingual and multicultural environments. The study aims to explore how cultural perceptions of time and space shape communication and to identify strategies that ensure both accuracy and cultural sensitivity in translation practices. The research adopts a comparative sociopragmatic approach, drawing on intercultural communication theories and professional contexts such as business, diplomacy, healthcare, and education. The findings reveal that English conceptualizes time as linear, structured, and efficiency-oriented, while Uzbek views time as flexible and relationship-centered. Similarly, English spatial norms emphasize individualism and personal boundaries, whereas Uzbek spatial perception reflects collectivism, hospitality, and closeness. These differences often lead to misunderstandings in cross-cultural communication, especially when literal translation is applied without sociocultural awareness. The study also highlights the added complexity of multilingual contexts involving English, Uzbek, and Russian. The paper concludes that effective interpreting and translation require not only linguistic competence but also deep cultural understanding. It emphasizes the role of sociopragmatics in bridging cultural gaps and calls for further interdisciplinary research in this field.