THE PROBLEM OF ACTION VERBS IN UZBEK LINGUISTICS

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to analyze the theoretical foundations of the problem of action verbs in Uzbek linguistics, to identify the criteria used in existing classifications, and to develop consistent semantic criteria for distinguishing action verbs from stative verbs. The research tasks include examining scholarly views on the semantic classification of verbs in Uzbek linguistics (Sh. Jalolova, R. Sayfullayev, M. Sodiqova, A. Gʻulomov, S. Muhammedova, and others), comparing definitions of action verbs, identifying cases where semantic, syntactic, and aspectual criteria are applied in a mixed or inconsistent manner, and evaluating their theoretical coherence. Additionally, a comparative analysis with English linguistic classifications (R. Dixon, B. Levin, Ch. Fillmore, L. Talmy, and others) was conducted in order to highlight methodological differences. The study employs descriptive, comparative-analytical, and critical-evaluative methods. The descriptive method was used to outline existing classifications; the comparative method served to contrast Uzbek and English approaches to verb classification; the critical approach enabled the identification of theoretical inconsistencies arising from the mixed application of criteria belonging to different systems within a single classification. The findings demonstrate that in Uzbek linguistics semantic grouping of verbs is largely based on content similarity, while clear and unified criteria are often lacking. In contrast, English linguistic traditions tend to systematize semantic classifications in connection with syntactic behavior, argument structure, or conceptual models. The study argues that restricting the notion of action to mechanical spatial trajectory is theoretically limited from a lexical-semantic perspective. The author proposes two primary criteria for distinguishing action and stative verbs: active energy expenditure and processuality (the presence of internal stages). Based on these criteria, the conceptual-semantic distinction between action and stative verbs is clarified.