GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EXPRESSING AFFECTION IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY

Аннотация:

This article explores the sociolinguistic and gender-related aspects of expressing affection in the English and Uzbek languages. The study focuses on the ways emotional closeness, care, and affection are conveyed through linguistic forms in different communicative contexts. Special attention is given to the influence of gender on the selection and use of affectionate expressions in everyday speech. The research applies comparative and sociolinguistic analysis to examine lexical and pragmatic features of affectionate language in both linguistic systems. The findings demonstrate that affectionate expressions are shaped not only by linguistic structures but also by cultural traditions, social norms, and gender roles present in society. While English tends to employ a variety of affectionate terms that are commonly used in informal communication, Uzbek affectionate expressions often reflect cultural values such as respect, intimacy, and social hierarchy. The comparative analysis reveals both similarities and differences in the linguistic representation of affection in the two languages. The results of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of gender-sensitive communication and highlight the importance of sociolinguistic factors in shaping emotional language in different cultures.