DIRECT AND INDIRECT APOLOGIES ACROSS CULTURES: A LINGUOPRAGMATIC STUDY

Abstract

This article examines the use of direct and indirect apology strategies across English and Uzbek cultures from a linguopragmatic perspective. Drawing on speech act theory and politeness frameworks, the study analyzes how speakers express remorse and repair social relations in different cultural contexts. The research combines theoretical analysis with illustrative examples from both languages to demonstrate how cultural norms shape the choice of apology strategies. The findings indicate that English speakers tend to employ more direct and explicit apology forms, while Uzbek speakers often rely on indirect and context-dependent expressions. The study highlights the role of politeness, social hierarchy, and cultural expectations in shaping apology behavior.