CRIMINAL LEXICON: EXPLORING SOCIALLY LIMITED VOCABULARY IN THE WORKS OF TAKHIR MALIK

Abstract

This paper investigates the employment of criminal vocabulary within the literary framework of Takhir Malik, a distinguished Uzbek writer known for his intricate portrayal of society and its fringes. Through a detailed linguistic analysis of Malik’s texts, this study identifies and explores the socially limited vocabulary that distinguishes and characterizes the criminal elements within his narratives. The research focuses on how these specialized terms not only shape the reader’s perception of the characters but also reflect broader socio-cultural realities and tensions. By dissecting the usage, context, and function of criminal jargon in Malik’s works, the paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of linguistic strategies in literature as tools for social commentary and cultural reflection. The findings highlight the potential of literary text as a medium for examining the intersection of language, identity, and social structure.