DIFFERENCES AND CHALLENGES IN TRANSLATING IRONY BETWEEN UZBEK AND ENGLISH: A PRAGMATIC AND CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY

Irony represents one of the most intricate and context-dependent phenomena in human communication, functioning as a pragmatic mechanism through which speakers convey meanings that diverge from literal expression. This article investigates the differences in the realization and functions of irony in Uzbek and English, as well as the challenges that arise in translating ironic expressions between these two linguistically and culturally distinct systems. The study adopts a qualitative comparative methodology based on literary texts, media discourse, and lexicographic materials. It is argued that English irony is frequently supported by explicit linguistic markers, whereas Uzbek irony is predominantly implicit and relies heavily on contextual and cultural inference. These differences generate significant translation challenges, including the loss of pragmatic meaning, cultural mismatch, and interpretive ambiguity. The study further demonstrates that successful translation of irony requires prioritizing pragmatic equivalence over formal correspondence. In addition, the article highlights the limitations of existing lexicographic practices in capturing the contextual and functional dimensions of irony. The findings contribute to translation studies, pragmatics, and intercultural communication by offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and translating irony across languages.