CULTURAL LINGUISTICS AND NATIONAL–CULTURAL SEMANTICS IN TEACHING SPANISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This article examines the role of cultural linguistics and national–cultural semantics in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language in Uzbekistan. As globalization intensifies cross-cultural contact, foreign language education must move beyond grammar and vocabulary to include cultural cognition, conceptual metaphors, values, and cultural scripts embedded in linguistic expressions. The Spanish language carries a rich cultural heritage shaped by Iberian, Latin American, and indigenous traditions, making it a fertile domain for cultural-semantic analysis. For Uzbek students, understanding these cultural meanings is essential for developing intercultural competence and avoiding communicative misunderstandings. This article explores theoretical foundations of cultural linguistics, discusses culturally marked lexical and phraseological units in Spanish, and provides methodological strategies for incorporating national–cultural semantics into the curriculum. Pedagogical implications, challenges, and recommendations for Uzbek higher education institutions are presented.