Linguocultural Features of Prohibitive Categories in English and Uzbek: A Mixed-Methods Empirical Study

Abstract

The current research examines the linguocultural features of prohibitions in English and Uzbek languages via an empirical research model using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It is designed as an attempt to fill the existing lacuna of studies in comparative pragmatics focusing on the cultural aspects of prohibition. Specifically, the research includes the analysis of corpora using SPSS software and the analysis of data obtained via the administration of Discourse Completion Task to 120 participants (60 native English speakers and 60 native Uzbek speakers). Statistically significant results show the differences between English and Uzbek languages concerning the level of directness (p=0.021) and the presence of politeness devices (p=0.013). It was found that the language users' preferences include either indirect and modal constructions characteristic of negative politeness and individualism (English speakers), or direct socially-stratified prohibitions associated with collectivism and hierarchies (Uzbek speakers). Additionally, the qualitative analysis revealed that the construction of prohibitions in Uzbek is highly dependent on situational context, social distance and position of the speaker/listener, while English speakers give preference to autonomy and mitigation of face.