CONCEPTUALIZING EMOTIONS THROUGH METAPHOR: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UZBEK AND ENGLISH

Abstract

Metaphor is one of the most powerful linguistic devices through which people conceptualize and communicate emotions. Rather than describing emotions directly, speakers often rely on metaphorical expressions grounded in bodily experience, cultural beliefs, and cognitive processes. This article examines the expression of emotional meaning through metaphor in Uzbek and English from the perspective of Cognitive Linguistics. Drawing upon the conceptual metaphor theory proposed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), as well as the studies of Kövecses, Gibbs, and Talmy, the paper explores how universal bodily experiences interact with culture-specific conceptualizations to shape emotional language. Through a comparative analysis of metaphorical expressions related to happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and love, the article demonstrates both universal tendencies and culturally distinctive patterns in Uzbek and English