GENERATIONAL AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE USE OF ENGLISH LOANWORDS IN UZBEK

This study investigates generational and gender differences in the use of English loanwords in the Uzbek language. The research examines how age and gender influence the frequency, context, and communicative function of English borrowings in modern Uzbek discourse. Data were collected through sociolinguistic surveys from participants across different age groups (18-30, 31-50, and 51+) and analyzed to identify patterns of lexical usage. The findings indicate that younger speakers (18-30) use English loanwords significantly more actively than older speakers, with frequencies approximately 3.5 times higher in informal communication. Gender differences were also observed: male participants tend to use loanwords more frequently in professional and technical contexts, while female participants employ them more selectively for stylistic and expressive purposes. The study highlights the social and cultural factors shaping language change and provides empirical insight into the ongoing integration of English lexical items into Uzbek within the context of globalization and digital communication.