SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF RIDDLES FORMED ON THE BASIS OF NATURAL PHENOMENA (BASED ON UZBEK AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES)

Abstract

This article examines the semantic features of riddles based on natural phenomena in Uzbek and English languages. The study focuses on identifying denotative and connotative meanings, metaphorical structures, and semantic mechanisms used in riddles referring to natural elements such as the sun, moon, wind, rain, and snow. A comparative approach is applied to reveal similarities and differences in semantic representation and cultural interpretation. The findings demonstrate that while both languages employ metaphor and symbolic thinking, Uzbek riddles tend to be more expressive and culturally embedded, whereas English riddles are often concise and structurally simple.