☰ Contents · Uzbek language

Pronunciation vs spelling, meaning distinction, addition of sounds

Lessons 15–18 · 4 lessons · N. Mahmudov, A. Sobirov, Sh. Sattorov, Sh. Toshmirzayeva, D. Mannopova. Ona tili (Uzbek language), Grade 5 (fully revised 5th edition). G‘afur G‘ulom Publishing House, Tashkent, 2020
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The meaning-distinguishing function of speech sounds

Textbook: pp. 31–32
GoalUnderstand the meaning-distinguishing function of speech sounds.
New words
to distinguish meaning · ma’no farqlashfunction, task · vazifareplacement of a sound · tovush almashishimeaning · ma’no
Explanation

The main function of speech sounds is to distinguish the meanings of words. If we replace just one sound in a word, a word with a new meaning appears. For example, replacing z in «ko‘z» (eye) with l gives «ko‘l» (lake). The words «tosh» (stone) and «tush» (dream) differ only in the vowel, while «tog‘» (mountain) and «tosh» differ in the final consonant. So every sound takes part in fixing the meaning of a word. That is why clear pronunciation and correct spelling are so important: one wrong sound can change the meaning.

Worked examples
ko‘z — ko‘l, tosh — tush, bor — bir, tog‘ — tosh.
The sheep is raised on a farm. The hand works. (qo‘y — qo‘l)
Class activity

“One sound — a new word”: each child says a word, the next replaces one sound to make a new word.

Practice
1
What is the main function of speech sounds?
2
Make a new word by replacing one sound: tosh, ko‘z, bor.
3
By which sound do the words «tog‘» and «tosh» differ?
4
Why does the meaning of a sentence break if we say «qo‘l» instead of «qo‘y»?