The Role of The "Passion" Concept in The Language Conceptosphere

Abstract

The development of linguistic pragmatics and the concept of the speech act has significantly influenced modern linguistic and philosophical thought, revealing how language functions not only to convey information but also to perform actions within specific social contexts. Within this framework, the study of culturally embedded concepts such as “passion” (nafs) becomes essential, as it represents a key element in the linguocultural and conceptual worldview of a speech community, particularly in Islamic and Eastern traditions. Despite the significance of the concept of “nafs” in both religious and literary texts, its role within the language conceptosphere remains underexplored, especially in terms of how it operates as a pragmatic and philosophical concept in linguistic structures. This article investigates the linguistic and conceptual dimensions of “passion,” exploring its semantic field, cultural representation, and interpretative significance within Uzbek and broader Islamic discourses. The analysis highlights how the concept of “nafs” integrates spiritual, ethical, and social meanings and is portrayed across proverbs, Sufi interpretations, and classical poetry (e.g., Navoi), reflecting a layered understanding of human behavior and inner struggle. By linking the speech act theory with indigenous conceptual constructs, the study offers a unique perspective on how abstract moral categories function within culturally loaded linguistic expressions. Understanding the role of such concepts enhances cross-cultural pragmatics and deepens our appreciation of how language reflects and shapes moral consciousness, thereby supporting interdisciplinary inquiry into linguistics, philosophy, and theology.