The Lexico-Semantic Field of Negative Emotions in English and Uzbek: A Cognitive Perspective

This article provides a comparative analysis of the lexico-semantic fields of negative emotions in English and Uzbek through a cognitive linguistic approach. It examines key concepts including negative emotion terms, conceptual metaphors, and cultural scripts related to emotions of anger, sadness, fear and disgust in both languages. The analysis reveals similarities and differences in how these emotions are categorized and conceptualized in English versus Uzbek cultures. Major findings show that while basic emotions can be labeled universally, finer semantic distinctions and metaphorical construals of emotions vary between individualistic and collectivistic perspectives. Norms of emotional expression are also shaped by distinct cultural models. The study enhances understanding of how language interacts with cultural context to both reflect and influence emotional experience.