THE TRANSLATION OF THE CONCEPTS “HOSPITALITY” AND “MEHMONDO‘STLIK”

Abstract

This paper explores the translation of the English concept “hospitality” and the Uzbek term “mehmondo‘stlik,” focusing on their semantic, cultural, and pragmatic differences. While these terms are often treated as direct equivalents, they reflect distinct cultural frameworks and social expectations. Using a qualitative comparative methodology, this study analyzes dictionary definitions, contextual usage, and cultural practices associated with both concepts. The findings demonstrate that “hospitality” in English primarily emphasizes politeness, service, and professionalism, whereas “mehmondo‘stlik” embodies a deeper cultural value rooted in generosity, honor, and moral obligation. The paper argues that direct translation leads to partial equivalence and potential loss of meaning. It highlights the importance of cultural awareness and appropriate translation strategies, such as descriptive and adaptive translation, in conveying culturally bound concepts. The study contributes to translation studies by illustrating the complexity of achieving equivalence across languages and cultures.