Linguistic and Cultural Analysis of Words of Wisdom in Abdulhamid Chulpan’s Kecha va Kunduz (Night and Day) and Stéphane Duduignon’s La Nuit

Abstract

This article provides a linguistic and cultural analysis of the words of wisdom in Kecha va Kunduz (Night and Day) by Abdulhamid Chulpan and La Nuit (The Night) by Stéphane Duduignon. Through the examination of selected aphorisms and philosophical reflections in both works, the article explores the intersections of language, culture, and the human condition. Chulpan’s Kecha va Kunduz, a cornerstone of early 20th-century Uzbek literature, offers insights into Central Asian moral and existential dilemmas, emphasizing themes like peace, trust, and the lasting impact of human emotions. In contrast, Duduignon’s La Nuit, influenced by existential thought, delves into themes of introspection, solitude, and the search for hidden truths, reflective of French cultural and philosophical values. The article compares how these words of wisdom reflect their respective cultural contexts, focusing on linguistic nuances, philosophical underpinnings, and the universal themes of self-realization, happiness, and the human quest for meaning. Ultimately, the study highlights how translation between Uzbek and French brings forth both linguistic and cultural transformations, revealing the commonalities and differences in human thought across cultures