False Friends among Culture-Specific Idioms in Uzbek-English Translation
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Keywords

false friends

How to Cite

Nematullayev Nodirbek Muzaffar o‘g‘li. (2025). False Friends among Culture-Specific Idioms in Uzbek-English Translation. Spanish Journal of Innovation and Integrity, 43, 205–209. Retrieved from https://www.sjii.es/index.php/journal/article/view/693

Abstract

This article explores the challenges of translating Uzbek idioms into English, particularly those deeply rooted in culture. Some expressions may appear simple to translate because they resemble English idioms, but in reality, they carry entirely different meanings—these are known as "false friends." The examples analyzed in this study are taken from the Uzbek translation of Saodat Asri Qissalari, originally written by Ahmet Lutfi Kazancı.Each idiom is examined in three ways: its literal wording, its actual meaning, and its cultural significance. Often, there’s no direct English equivalent, forcing translators to decide between paraphrasing, adapting, or in rare cases, omitting the phrase altogether. The key takeaway is that translating such idioms requires not just linguistic skill but also cultural insight. By sharing specific examples and strategies, this paper aims to help translators avoid common pitfalls and make more informed choices when working with culturally loaded expressions.

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