GENDER-RELATED DISCOURSE TERMS AS A TOOL FOR CONSTRUCTING IDENTITY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK

Abstract

Language is not merely a system of communication; it is a powerful mechanism through which social realities and identities are constructed. Gender-related discourse terms, in particular, serve as crucial instruments in defining and negotiating both individual and collective identities within a society. This paper investigates the use of gendered terminology in English and Uzbek, highlighting how linguistic choices contribute to the perception and performance of gender roles. Through comparative analysis, it demonstrates that English often relies on contextual cues, pronouns, and increasingly gender-neutral expressions to signal identity, whereas Uzbek employs explicit morphological and semantic markers to indicate gender, reflecting a culturally embedded understanding of social roles. The study further explores how these linguistic practices both reinforce traditional gender norms and provide opportunities for challenging and reshaping them. By examining occupational terms, pronouns, and social descriptors across these two languages, the research illustrates the nuanced ways in which language shapes perceptions of power, autonomy, and social belonging. Ultimately, this paper emphasizes the significance of conscious linguistic practices in promoting inclusive discourse and fostering equitable social identities.