Semantic and Pragmatic Features of Complaints in Uzbek and English: An Interpersonal Discourse Perspective

Abstract

This article explores the semantic and pragmatic realization of complaints in Uzbek and English interpersonal discourse. Complaints are face-threatening acts that reflect speakers’ cultural values, social norms, and communicative strategies. By applying a discourse-pragmatic framework, the study compares how complaints are structured, mitigated, and interpreted in the two languages. The findings reveal that while English complaints tend to emphasize indirectness and individual face-saving strategies, Uzbek complaints are often shaped by collectivist values, respect for hierarchy, and culturally embedded norms of politeness. The article contributes to cross-cultural pragmatics by highlighting how semantic choices and discourse strategies reflect broader cultural models of interaction.