LINGUOCULTURAL PECULIARITIES OF HYPONYMS AND HYPERONYMSIN THE ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES
Abstract
The present article examines the linguocultural dimension of hyponymy and hyperonymy as foundational relations in the lexical systems of English and Uzbek. Drawing on cognitive semantic theory, prototype theory, and cross-linguistic research, the study argues that taxonomic hierarchies in these two languages are shaped not only by logical-semantic subordination but also by culture-specific patterns of categorization. Particular attention is given to asymmetrical lexical structures, lacunae, and domain-specific divergences — most notably in the semantic fields of kinship terminology, colour, and natural kinds. The article demonstrates that the hypero-hyponymic architecture of Uzbek reflects a worldview organized around communal and lineage-based distinctions, while English tends toward broader, more neutrally defined superordinate categories. The findings point to the importance of linguoculturological analysis in contrastive lexical semantics.