Linguistic-Poetic Study of Idioms in the “Zevarxon” Epic

Abstract

This article scientifically analyzes the linguistic features of the “Zevarxon” epic, one of the important examples of Uzbek folk oral literature, with particular emphasis on the use of its phraseological units. During the research, the phraseologisms taken from the poem's text were classified structurally, semantically, and functionally, and divided into meaning groups. In particular, phraseological units that are emotional-expressive, evaluative, figurative-descriptive, and communicative in function were identified, and their place and function in the text were substantiated. The article provides a separate analysis of the role of phraseological units in revealing the characters of the protagonists. In particular, it was demonstrated with evidence that the expressions used in the speech of the main characters convey their psychological state, social status, worldview, and aspects characteristic of their national mentality. Moreover, it was determined that through phraseology, the epic poem's emotional-expressive coloration is intensified, the drama of the events is heightened, and the aesthetic impact on the listener is strengthened. Descriptive, comparative, and contextual analysis methods were used in the study. The results show that in the “Zevarxon” epic, phraseological units appear not only as a means of artistic embellishment but also as important linguistic elements that deepen the content and reflect national culture and traditions. This study is of significant scientific importance for the linguistic study of Uzbek folklore texts, particularly in identifying the functions of phraseology in artistic texts.