Legal and Socio-Political Term Translation in Medieval Old Uzbek

Texts

Kudratulla Omonov

, Dilrabo Bakhronova

and Solikha Anorboyeva

Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan State World Languages University, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Old Uzbek, Speech, Formal Texts, Middle Ages, Turkish Documents.

Abstract: This article examines the translation challenges of medieval works, focusing on historical terms within Old

Uzbek documents. It explores the linguistic attributes of the era, noting shifts in lexical layers and stylistic

nuances of historical texts. The study emphasizes the intricacies of accurately translating these works,

highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of the period's language, including phonetics,

vocabulary, grammar, and dialects. It underscores the critical role of precise quotations of historical figures,

toponyms, and dates, while acknowledging the impact of translation errors on other scholarly studies. By

addressing these translation challenges and advocating for meticulous linguistic analysis, the article aims to

enhance the accurate representation of history and improve the understanding of historical texts within the

scientific community.

1 INTRODUCTION

In the intricate tapestry of language, words stand as

the cornerstone, pivotal in our comprehension of texts

across diverse genres. They serve as the elemental

building blocks, shaping the essence and structure of

any piece of writing. Word stylistics, a field of study

delving into the nuanced functions of specific lexical

units within texts, occupies a central position in

linguistic inquiry. At its core, this discipline

scrutinizes the contextual deployment of words

within speech situations, aiming to unravel the

intricate web of meanings woven by language.

Through meticulous analysis, word stylistics

elucidates the subtle nuances of word usage across

different communication styles, offering invaluable

insights into the artistry and mechanics of language.

At the forefront of word stylistics lies the

amalgamation of traditional linguistic frameworks

with the advancements of modern semasiology. This

interdisciplinary approach sheds light on the

systematic relationships among various words within

a language, unraveling the intricate threads that bind

lexical units together. A significant aspect of this

endeavour involves the study of specialised

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5562-8493

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2012-7426

terminology, encompassing domains ranging from

socio-political discourse to legal jargon. By

deciphering the prescribed rules governing the

employment of lexical tools in different

communicative contexts, word stylistics seeks to

enhance the clarity and efficacy of communication,

particularly in official and formal texts. Through its

rigorous analysis and synthesis of linguistic data,

word stylistics contributes not only to our

understanding of language but also to the refinement

of communication practices across diverse spheres of

human interaction.

This study by Omonov, Bakhronova, and

Anorboyeva offers a comprehensive analysis of

medieval Old Uzbek texts, focusing on the challenges

inherent in translating historical terms within these

documents. This examination extracts the linguistic

attributes of the Middle Ages, emphasizing shifts in

lexical layers and stylistic nuances present in formal

texts. In this exploration of semantic evolution, the

authors cite examples such as "al" and "yazuq,"

demonstrating how these everyday terms acquired

nuanced idiomatic senses in official documents,

indicative of the dynamic nature of language. This

observation underscores the importance of

756

Omonov, K., Bakhronova, D. and Anorboyeva, S.

Legal and Socio-Political Term Translation in Medieval Old Uzbek Texts.

DOI: 10.5220/0012916200003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 756-759

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

meticulous attention to detail in translation,

particularly concerning historical terminology.

The literature review incorporates seminal works

in Turkology, including J. Deny's investigation of a

Timurid document and A. Grigorev's insights into

Mongol diplomatic practices (Deny, 1957; Grigorev,

1978). By drawing from interdisciplinary fields like

translation studies and Turkic linguistics, the authors

highlight the interdisciplinary nature of scholarly

engagement with medieval works and advocate for

rigorous linguistic analysis to foster cross-cultural

understanding and communication within the global

academic community. Moreover, the study

underscores the potential for misinterpretations in

contemporary translations due to the imposition of

modern interpretations onto archaic terminology.

This gap between historical texts and modern

translations emphasizes the necessity of preserving

the integrity of original texts to enhance historical

accuracy and scholarly understanding.

2 OBJECTIVE

• Analyze semantic shifts in Old Uzbek

historical terms.

• Explore challenges in translating medieval

texts accurately.

• Advocate for meticulous linguistic analysis in

historical translations.

3 ANALYSIS

Stylistic precision in word choice presents a

significant challenge, one that demands a careful

selection of vocabulary to effectively articulate ideas.

The author's choice of words not only reflects the

quality of their style but also serves to enhance the

transmission of information, thereby amplifying the

impact of the text's content. This aspect has

historically been held in high regard, particularly

evident in formal texts where meticulous attention is

paid to word selection.

An intriguing phenomenon observable in

historical documents penned in the old Uzbek

language during the Middle Ages is the evolution of

certain lexical units and combinations. Words

originally used in everyday discourse underwent a

semantic shift upon incorporation into official texts,

acquiring specific connotations that diverged from

their original meanings. This semantic transformation

underscores the dynamic nature of language and its

responsiveness to contextual demands. For instance,

commonplace terms like "al" and "yazuq" assumed

nuanced idiomatic senses in official documents,

denoting legal concepts such as "extortion" and

"crime," respectively, distinct from their colloquial

usage.

The semantic evolution of words in historical

texts extends beyond legal terminology to encompass

socio-political and military domains. Within the

context of the Khanate, terms related to military

engineering acquire layered meanings reflective of

strategic considerations and martial prowess. The

term "Ordu," traditionally denoting the Khan's

residence, takes on the additional connotations of a

fortified military camp, emphasizing the dual roles of

protection and governance inherent in the Khan's

domain. Similarly, the term "Kurgan" evokes

imagery of defensive structures strategically

positioned to safeguard against enemy incursions,

epitomizing the fusion of military strategy with

territorial defense.

However, despite the nuanced meanings

embedded within historical texts, contemporary

translations often fail to capture the subtleties of

lexical evolution, leading to misinterpretations and

erroneous assumptions. This oversight is particularly

pronounced in translations into languages such as

Uzbek, Turkish, Russian, and German, where

translators may inadvertently impose modern

interpretations onto archaic terminology, thereby

obscuring the historical context and significance of

the text. Consequently, there exists a pressing need

for translators to exercise caution and sensitivity

towards the semantic nuances inherent in historical

documents, thereby preserving the integrity of the

original text.

A case in point is the opening of the "suyurgol"

document, issued in 1422 on behalf of Shahrukh

Mirza in Herat, a prominent center of the Timurid

dynasty. The document, which delineates the

administrative apparatus responsible for revenue

management and tax collection, introduces the

concept of "Divānlarğa" as the governing bodies

tasked with overseeing these functions. Notably, the

French interpretation of this term, as elucidated by the

orientalist J. Deny, underscores the interdisciplinary

nature of scholarly engagement with historical texts,

highlighting the collaborative effort required to

unravel their complexities. In essence, the exploration

of historical documents serves as a gateway to

understanding the intricacies of past societies,

offering valuable insights into the evolution of

language, governance, and socio-political dynamics.

Legal and Socio-Political Term Translation in Medieval Old Uzbek Texts

757

Below is an excerpt from J. Deny’s article, featuring

a transcription of the texts:

1. Šāhruh bahadur sözüm.

2. devānlarğa. Cečäktöbädä Tarnaq arïğï.

3. da Talxan atanïŋ mujāvurigä bir.

4. qošluq altmïš kivi yer suyurğal berildi. Luy

yïldïn bašlap.

5. ne kim hāsilïnï Ut böri xanaqāğa xarj qïlsun.

Kim ersä.

6. mal tilämäsün, yasağ alpağ salmasun, küč uğa

tegürmäsün, tep.

7. beg niš(ā)n bermiš erdük. Burunğï niš(ā)n

yosunï bilä ud yïldïn.

8. bašlap Ut böri, altmïš kivi yerni suyurğal

yosunï.

9. birlä alïp xanaqāğa xarj qïlsun-kim, kim ersä.

10. mal tilämäsün, yasağ alpağ salmasun, küč uğa

tegürmäsün. Basa.

11. İsmāyil mujāvurniŋ ewi barïnï tartïp tonup

almasun.

12. tep niš(ā)n berildi. Tarix sekiz yüz y(i)g(i)rmi

bešidä ud yïl muharram

13. aynïŋ y(i)g(i)rmi ikisidä Bağï šaharda bitildi.

The unearthing and initial perusal of a certain

document by J. Deny marked a watershed moment in

the field of Turkology, heralding significant progress.

Yet, as with any historical discovery, this document

is not devoid of flaws, revealing errors in both its

readability and content. Deny's translation and

interpretation of the document's opening address,

misconstruing "divānlarğa" as "toyunlarğa," stirred

confusion among scholars, notably historian A.

Grigorev, who opined that Shahrukh Mirza's missive

was directed towards Buddhist monks However, a

closer examination of the original text reveals that

"divānlarğa" pertains to the addressee, Shahrukh

Mirza, rather than Buddhist monks. This linguistic

nuance significantly alters our comprehension of the

document's intent.

The linguistic landscape of official texts from the

early and medieval periods possesses a distinctive

character, characterized by a unique composition of

words and lexical choices. This particular document

employs units from the broader Turkish vocabulary,

imbued not only with their everyday meanings but

also with idiomatic nuances typical of official

correspondence. Consequently, modern translations

and interpretations of such texts serve as pivotal tools

in unraveling the content and context of medieval

Turkish documents. Understanding the intricate

interplay between language and intent is paramount

in deciphering historical texts accurately.

The translation of socio-political and legal

concepts entails a complex process of transposing

cognitive phenomena and societal realities. It

involves navigating the intricacies of national-

cultural values and stereotypes, while grappling with

the underlying patterns governing the formation of

figurative-associative complexes. Despite

advancements in translation studies, much remains to

be elucidated regarding the evaluative-expressive

translation of socio-political and legal units. The

opacity surrounding these underlying patterns

underscores the ongoing quest for a deeper

understanding of linguistic and cultural nuances

embedded within historical texts.

4 DISCUSSION

To deepen our comprehension of the translation

process, there is a pressing need for additional

research aimed at unveiling the regularities and

principles that dictate the formation of the figurative-

associative complex. Through an exploration of these

underlying patterns, we stand to gain valuable

insights into the nuanced translation of socio-political

and legal entities, accounting for their evaluative and

expressive nuances. By shining a light on these

opaque dimensions, we can aspire to elevate the

quality and precision of translations within the socio-

political and legal spheres. This endeavour holds

promise in refining both the theoretical frameworks

and practical methodologies underpinning translation

activities in these specialised domains, thereby

fostering enhanced cross-cultural understanding and

facilitating more effective communication.

Central to this pursuit is the imperative for

rigorous, in-depth studies that delve into the

intricacies of the figurative-associative complex and

its pivotal role in the translation of socio-political and

legal units. Such investigations promise to yield

invaluable insights into the mechanisms

underpinning successful translations, offering fertile

ground for further scholarly exploration. By

meticulously unpacking the complexities inherent in

this process, we can pave the way for advancements

in translation theory and practice, ultimately fostering

a more nuanced and accurate rendition of socio-

political and legal discourse across linguistic and

cultural boundaries. In essence, the culmination of

these efforts holds the potential to enrich our

understanding of translation dynamics while

simultaneously facilitating more robust and

meaningful exchanges within the global socio-

political and legal landscape.

PAMIR-2 2023 - The Second Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies- | PAMIR

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5 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the discovery and subsequent analysis

of the document have markedly propelled the field of

Turkology forward, casting a new light on the

historical and cultural tapestry of the Middle Ages. It

is evident that rectifying the inaccuracies in

translation and interpretation, particularly concerning

nuanced terminologies, is imperative for achieving a

more precise comprehension of the document's

essence and significance. The idiosyncratic features

inherent in official texts from the early and middle

ages, encompassing specific lexical compositions and

idiomatic nuances, demand meticulous attention

during the translation and interpretation process. To

this end, a nuanced understanding of the figurative-

associative complex and its nuanced impact on the

evaluative and expressive dimensions of socio-

political and legal units emerges as a fertile ground

for further scholarly inquiry. By delving deeper into

these intricacies, we stand to refine our translation

methodologies, contribute substantively to the

evolution of translation theories and practices, and

foster enhanced cross-cultural understanding and

communication.

Moreover, continued exploration of the

figurative-associative complex promises to unveil

invaluable insights, thereby advancing our

comprehension of historical Turkish documents to

unprecedented levels. This ongoing endeavour not

only holds the potential to enrich our scholarly

understanding but also serves as a catalyst for

promoting cultural exchange and appreciation.

Through a steadfast commitment to unraveling the

complexities embedded within these texts, we are

poised to not only enhance the precision and efficacy

of translations in domains of historical significance

but also to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the rich

cultural heritage they encapsulate. In essence, by

embracing the challenges posed by the figurative-

associative complex, we embark on a journey towards

a more nuanced and enriched understanding of

historical Turkish documents, thus fostering a more

interconnected and culturally enlightened global

community.

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