Cognitive-Pragmatic Mechanisms of Euphemization of Alcoholization in Russian and Uzbek Linguistic Cultures

T. E. Alimov; E. R. Adjeminova

doi:10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-4-37-61

Cognitive-Pragmatic Mechanisms of Euphemization of Alcoholization in Russian and Uzbek Linguistic Cultures

T. E. Alimov, E. R. Adjeminova

https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-4-37-61

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Abstract

The present study aims to explore the specific features of euphemistic representation of alcoholization in Russian and Uzbek linguistic cultures. The research is based on the data extracted from the dictionaries by E. P. Senichkina and M. Omonturdiev, covering a ten-year period and taking into account the contexts of actual speech use. Employing the method of continuous sampling, a total of 286 euphemistic units were identified, classified into eight thematic groups, and analyzed through quantitative, stylistic, cognitive-frame, and pragmatic approaches. The findings reveal that in both linguistic cultures, the core of the nominative field is constituted by euphemisms denoting the process of alcohol consumption and the state of intoxication, while the designations of beverages, containers, locations, and motives occupy peripheral positions. The dominant mechanisms of euphemization include metaphor and metonymy, generalization, vagueness of expression, litotes, and ironic reinterpretation. It is demonstrated that the Russian corpus is quantitatively more extensive and is characterized by a significant proportion of ironic nicknames for drinkers and figurative metaphors with mythological and cultural connotations, whereas the Uzbek corpus predominantly relies on everyday and physiological imagery, which is associated with stricter religious and cultural taboos. The study emphasizes that in both languages, colloquial, familiar, and jocular units dominate in actual usage.

Keywords

euphemistic nominations of alcoholization, frame semantics, cognitive-pragmatic mechanisms, Russian and Uzbek linguistic cultures, metaphor, metonymy

About the Authors

T. E. Alimov

Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba; Fergana State University
Russian Federation

Timur E.Alimov – PhD in Philology

Moscow; Fergana

E. R. Adjeminova

Fergana State University
Uzbekistan

Elvina R.Adjeminova – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philology

Fergana

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Review

For citations:

Alimov T.E., Adjeminova E.R. Cognitive-Pragmatic Mechanisms of Euphemization of Alcoholization in Russian and Uzbek Linguistic Cultures. Nauchnyi dialog. 2026;15(4):37-61. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-4-37-61

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