Idioms in English and Their Semantic Characteristics

Öz

This article is intended for the discussion of English idioms and their semantic features. By looking at a few chosen idioms from a cross-cultural standpoint, this study aims to categorize words and attempt to demonstrate how a word used in one language in accordance with the concept of equivalency is used in other languages in the same or different manner. It is noted that, depending on their form, these word combinations can have variations and are generally stable. The author emphasizes that idiomatic expressions have more to their semantic meaning than merely their literal meaning. They have deep cultural connotations while remaining cohesive. In the article, idioms that have the same meanings in English, Turkish, and Azerbaijani but are used differently are listed in the table. According to this research, most idioms show cultural differences originating from the English language while being translated with their general and specific meanings into Turkish and Azerbaijani languages. These disparities in culture draw attention and make people wonder. Despite this cultural diversity, it can be concluded that they are united by the fact that they have a common meaning.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• idioms
• semantic
• language
• culture
• Azerbaijani
• Turkish
• English

Idioms in English and Their Semantic Characteristics

Abstract

This article is intended for the discussion of English idioms and their semantic features. By looking at a few chosen idioms from a cross-cultural standpoint, this study aims to categorize words and attempt to demonstrate how a word used in one language in accordance with the concept of equivalency is used in other languages in the same or different manner. It is noted that, depending on their form, these word combinations can have variations and are generally stable. The author emphasizes that idiomatic expressions have more to their semantic meaning than merely their literal meaning. They have deep cultural connotations while remaining cohesive. In the article, idioms that have the same meanings in English, Turkish, and Azerbaijani but are used differently are listed in the table. According to this research, most idioms show cultural differences originating from the English language while being translated with their general and specific meanings into Turkish and Azerbaijani languages. These disparities in culture draw attention and make people wonder. Despite this cultural diversity, it can be concluded that they are united by the fact that they have a common meaning. Keywords:

Keywords

• idioms
• semantic
• language
• culture
• Azerbaijani
• Turkish
• English

Kaynakça

1. Nida, E. A. (2001). Language and culture: Contexts in translating. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.
2. Ponterotto, D. (1994). Metaphors we can live by. In English Teaching Forum. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
3. Saleh, N., & Zakaria, N. (2013). Investigating the difficulties faced in understanding, and strategies used in processing, English idioms by the Libyan students. International Journal of English Language and Translation Studies, 1 (2), 69-90.
4. Saussure, F. D. (1959). Course in general linguistics (W. Baskin, Trans.). New York: Philosophical Library.
5. Tylor, E. B. (2010). Primitive culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.