The study of phraseological units based on modern linguistic theories in K. Karimov’s novel “Agabiy”

Abstract

This article examines phraseological units in K. Karimov’s novel “Agabiy” through contemporary linguistic approaches, including cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, linguocultural studies, and pragmatics. It analyzes their emotional and semantic properties, imagery, context-dependent meanings, and communicative and aesthetic functions in literary discourse. Particular attention is paid to phraseological units containing the somatic components kewil, júrek, júz, bas, awız, barmaq, bawır, and qan, which help represent characters’ psychological states. Examples from the novel are used to discuss expressions of joy, anxiety, fear, sorrow, regret, and inner distress. The analysis shows that these units do more than name emotions: they also convey intensity, evaluative colouring, and vivid imagery. The article further considers how phraseology preserves and communicates elements of Karakalpak everyday life, hospitality, and national-cultural experience. The findings demonstrate the value of an anthropocentric approach to the study of phraseological units in literary texts. At the same time, this provides an important scientific foundation for identifying the linguocognitive and pragmatic features of phraseological units in literary discourse, revealing their connection with national thought, and gaining a deeper understanding of the figurative and expressive potential of the Karakalpak literary language.