LEXICAL-SEMANTIC TRANSFORMATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TERMINOLOGY IN MULTIMODAL CONTEXTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK

Abstract

This study investigates the lexical-semantic transformation of information technology terminology in multimodal contexts, with a particular focus on English and Uzbek. In the context of globalization and the rapid development of digital technologies, IT terms are increasingly transferred across languages, often undergoing semantic shifts that affect their interpretation and use. The research is based on a qualitative analysis of twenty contemporary IT terms selected from digital platforms and technical discourse. Using comparative, semantic, and discourse-analytical methods, the study examines how denotative, connotative, and pragmatic components of meaning are modified in cross-linguistic adaptation. The findings reveal that while the core referential meaning of terms is generally preserved, significant reductions and reinterpretations occur at the connotative and cognitive levels. The study also highlights the role of multimodal discourse in compensating for semantic loss. Visual elements such as icons and interface structures contribute to meaning construction and enhance user comprehension. From an anthropocentric perspective, the effectiveness of terminology is closely linked to user perception and cognitive accessibility. The paper proposes an integrative approach to IT terminology adaptation that combines linguistic, cultural, and multimodal factors, offering a more comprehensive framework for understanding terminology in contemporary digital communication. The results contribute to the development of more effective strategies for cross-linguistic terminology adaptation in digital communication.