The Expression Of Linguistic Gender Discrimination In Korean And Uzbek Proverbs

Abstract

This article examines proverbs in the Korean and Uzbek languages that linguistically discriminate against women—proverbs that express negative attitudes toward women. These proverbs often criticize women’s behavior and reflect a certain societal ideology. The article analyzes similarities in the depiction of women in the proverbs of both cultures, including the use of certain traits in either a negative or positive sense, as well as the common and distinct aspects of the female image.

The differences between men and women are not solely derived from biological factors. The relationship between men and women, as well as the gender differences between them, are shaped through social and cultural processes, experiences, and mechanisms of discrimination within a specific social structure. Issues between men and women are not merely a matter of gender differences but are also tied to the socio-cultural factors that influence the differentiation of gender roles.

In fact, the dynamics between men and women are not confined to family relationships but are rooted in the fundamental social interactions that form the basis of family life and are linked to broader processes of socialization. From this perspective, studying the relationships and gender differences between men and women through proverbs—drawing on the rich treasury of Korean and Uzbek proverbs—reveals the deep connections between language, society, and culture.