Language/Northern-uzbek/Grammar/Indirect-Discourse

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Northern Uzbek → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Advanced Sentence Structures → Indirect Discourse

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on indirect discourse in Northern Uzbek! In this lesson, we will explore how to report speech and thought in indirect discourse or reported speech. This is an important topic as it allows us to convey what someone else has said or thought without quoting them directly. Mastering indirect discourse will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Northern Uzbek.

In this comprehensive lesson, we will delve into the details of indirect discourse and provide numerous examples to illustrate each point. We will also explore any regional variations in the usage or understanding of indirect discourse and discuss interesting cultural facts related to the topic. To help you practice and apply what you have learned, we have included a series of exercises and scenarios. Solutions and explanations for these exercises will be provided to ensure thorough understanding.

Let's begin our journey into the world of indirect discourse!

Understanding Indirect Discourse

Indirect discourse, also known as reported speech or thought, is used to convey what someone else has said or thought in a more indirect way. Instead of quoting their exact words, we summarize or paraphrase their speech or thought. This is a common construction in both spoken and written language, and it is important to master it to effectively communicate in various contexts.

When using indirect discourse, it is important to pay attention to verb tense, pronoun changes, and word order. These elements may change when reporting someone else's speech or thought. Let's explore each of these aspects in more detail.

Verb Tense in Indirect Discourse

In indirect discourse, the verb tense may change depending on the relationship between the original statement and the reporting verb. There are three main patterns to consider:

1. Present tense: When reporting a statement or thought that is still true at the time of reporting, the verb tense remains the same. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"Менинг нафасим кушти."	"Menijig nafasim kuşti."	"My breath is heavy."

If we want to report this statement indirectly, we need to maintain the present tense:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
Он дедики, "университетга кирмайман."	On dediki, "universitetga kirmayman."	He said, "I don't go to the university."

2. Past tense: When reporting a statement or thought that was true in the past but may not be true at the time of reporting, we usually shift the verb tense back one step. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"Мен бир китоб олиб кетдим."	"Men bir kitob olib ketdim."	"I took a book and left."

If we want to report this statement indirectly, we need to shift the verb tense:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
У олиб кетгандей дедики, "университетга кирмайман."	U olib ketgandey dediki, "universitetga kirmayman."	He said, "I didn't go to the university."

3. Conditional tense: When reporting a statement or thought that expresses a condition, we usually shift the verb tense to the past conditional. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"Агар олиман, кечаси бармайман."	"Agar oliman, keçasi barmayman."	"If I am busy, I won't go tomorrow."

If we want to report this statement indirectly, we need to use the past conditional:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
У дедики, "агар олиман, кечаси бармайман."	U dediki, "agar oliman, keçasi barmayman."	He said, "If I am busy, I won't go tomorrow."

Pronoun Changes in Indirect Discourse

When reporting someone else's speech or thought, pronouns may change depending on the relationship between the original statement and the reporting verb. Let's look at some examples:

1. First-person pronouns: When reporting a statement or thought made by the speaker themself, the first-person pronouns usually change according to the subject of the reporting verb. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"Мен сизга келдим."	"Men sizga keldim."	"I came to see you."

If we want to report this statement indirectly, the first-person pronoun changes to match the subject of the reporting verb:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
У дедики, "у олга келди."	U dediki, "u olga keldi."	He said, "She came to see him."

2. Second-person pronouns: When reporting a statement or thought directed at the listener, the second-person pronouns usually change according to the subject of the reporting verb. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"Сен менга киради."	"Sen menga kiradi."	"You will come to me."

If we want to report this statement indirectly, the second-person pronoun changes to match the subject of the reporting verb:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
У дедики, "у менга киради."	U dediki, "u menga kiradi."	He said, "She will come to me."

3. Third-person pronouns: When reporting a statement or thought about someone other than the speaker or listener, the third-person pronouns usually remain the same. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"У олиман."	"U oliman."	"He is busy."

If we want to report this statement indirectly, the third-person pronoun remains the same:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
У дедики, "у олиман."	U dediki, "u oliman."	He said, "He is busy."

Word Order in Indirect Discourse

In indirect discourse, the word order may change depending on the structure of the original statement. Let's look at some examples:

1. Direct statement: When reporting a direct statement, the word order usually remains the same. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"Мен олиман."	"Men oliman."	"I am busy."

If we want to report this statement indirectly, the word order remains the same:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
Олиман дедики, "у олиман."	Oliman dediki, "u oliman."	He said, "I am busy."

2. Direct question: When reporting a direct question, the word order changes to a declarative structure. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"Сиз келасизми?"	"Siz kelasizmi?"	"Are you coming?"

If we want to report this question indirectly, the word order changes to a declarative structure:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
У дедики, "у келадими?"	U dediki, "u keladimi?"	He said, "Are you coming?"

3. Direct command: When reporting a direct command, the word order changes to an indirect structure with the reporting verb. For example:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
"Китобни ўқу!"	"Kitobni o'qu!"	"Read the book!"

If we want to report this command indirectly, the word order changes with the reporting verb:

Northern Uzbek	Pronunciation	English
У дедики, "китобни ўқу!"	U dediki, "kitobni o'qu!"	He said, "Read the book!"

By understanding these changes in verb tense, pronouns, and word order, you will be able to effectively report speech and thought in indirect discourse.

Regional Variations in Indirect Discourse

While the concept of indirect discourse remains the same across regions, there may be some variations in the usage or understanding of this construct in different parts of Northern Uzbekistan. Let's explore some of these regional differences:

1. Samarkand dialect: In the Samarkand region, there is a preference for more formal and precise indirect discourse. The reporting verbs used are often more elaborate, and there is a tendency to maintain the original verb tense and word order as closely as possible.

2. Ferghana Valley dialect: In the Ferghana Valley, indirect discourse is often used more casually, with a greater emphasis on conveying the general meaning rather than maintaining strict verb tense or word order. There may also be variations in the choice of reporting verbs and pronoun changes.

3. Karshi-Khanabad dialect: In the Karshi-Khanabad region, indirect discourse is often influenced by neighboring Turkic languages, such as Karakalpak and Kazakh. This can result in variations in word choice, sentence structure, and pronoun changes in reported speech or thought.

These regional variations add richness and diversity to the usage of indirect discourse in Northern Uzbek. It is important to be aware of these differences when communicating with speakers from different regions.

Cultural Insights

Indirect discourse plays an important role in cultural communication in Northern Uzbekistan. It allows for more nuanced and polite conversations, as direct quotations can sometimes be perceived as too direct or confrontational. By using indirect discourse, speakers can convey their thoughts and opinions in a more respectful and tactful manner.

In addition to its linguistic significance, indirect discourse also reflects cultural values and social norms. The choice of reporting verbs, the level of formality, and the use of pronoun changes can all convey subtle nuances of respect, hierarchy, and politeness in social interactions. By understanding and using indirect discourse appropriately, you can navigate the cultural landscape of Northern Uzbekistan more effectively.

Practice Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Try the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of indirect discourse:

Exercise 1: Change the following direct statements into indirect discourse:

1. "Мен оқуяпман." (Men o'quyapman.) - She said, "I am studying."

2. "Сен кимсан?" (Sen kimsan?) - He asked, "Who are you?"

3. "У китоб оқимайди." (U kitob o'qimaydi.) - They said, "He doesn't read books."

Exercise 2: Change the following direct questions into indirect discourse:

1. "Сиз келасизми?" (Siz kelasizmi?) - He asked if you are coming.

2. "Учунчу факультетга кирсаманми?" (Uchunchu fakultetga kirsamanmi?) - She asked if I will enter the third faculty.

3. "Сен ким бўласан?" (Sen kim bo'lasan?) - They asked who you will become.

Exercise 3: Change the following direct commands into indirect discourse:

1. "Китобни ўқу!" (Kitobni o'qu!) - He commanded to read the book.

2. "Мени ёрдам бер!" (Meni yordam ber!) - She instructed to help her.

3. "Уни ўлимай!" (Uni o'limay!) - They demanded not to touch it.

Solutions

Exercise 1:

1. Олиман дедики, "у оқуяпман." (Oliman dediki, "u o'quyapman.") - He said, "She is studying."

2. У кимсан дедики? (U kimsan dediki?) - She asked, "Who are you?"

3. Улар дедики, "у китобларни ўқимайди." (Ular dediki, "u kitoblarni o'qimaydi.") - They said, "He doesn't read books."

Exercise 2:

1. У дедики, "сиз келасизми?" (U dediki, "siz kelasizmi?") - He asked if you are coming.

2. У дедики, "учунчу факультетга кирсаманми?" (U dediki, "uchunchu fakultetga kirsamanmi?") - He asked if I will enter the third faculty.

3. Улар дедики, "сен ким бўласан?" (Ular dediki, "sen kim bo'lasan?") - They asked who you will become.

Exercise 3:

1. У дедики, "китобни ўқу!" (U dediki, "kitobni o'qu!") - He said, "Read the book!"

2. У дедики, "мени ёрдам бер!" (U dediki, "meni yordam ber!") - She said, "Help me!"

3. Улар дедики, "унини ўлимай!" (Ular dediki, "unini o'limay!") - They said, "Don't touch it!"

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing the lesson on indirect discourse in Northern Uzbek! You have learned how to report speech and thought in a more indirect way, using changes in verb tense, pronouns, and word order. Remember to consider regional variations in the usage and understanding of indirect discourse, as well as the cultural significance of this construct in Northern Uzbekistan.

Continue practicing and applying what you have learned to further enhance your language skills. The ability to effectively use indirect discourse will greatly improve your communication in various contexts, both in Northern Uzbekistan and beyond.

Table of Contents - Northern Uzbek Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Northern Uzbek

• Greetings and Introductions
• Numbers and Counting
• Family and Relationships

  ---

Basic Sentence Structures

• Subject-Verb Agreement
• Noun Cases
• Adjective Agreement

  ---

Everyday Life

• Food and Drink
• Transportation
• Shopping and Money

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Northern Uzbek Culture

• Traditions and Customs
• Art and Music
• Historical Sites and Landmarks

  ---

Advanced Vocabulary and Expressions

• Idioms and Proverbs
• Business and Work
• Science and Technology

  ---

Advanced Grammar Concepts

• Passive Voice
• Conditional Sentences
• Subjunctive Mood

  ---

Regional Dialects and Accents

• Samarkand Dialect
• Ferghana Valley Dialect
• Karshi-Khanabad Dialect

  ---

Northern Uzbek Literature

• Poetry and Prose
• Folktales and Legends
• Contemporary Uzbek Literature

  ---

Advanced Sentence Structures

• Relative Clauses
• Indirect Discourse
• Causative Constructions

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Northern Uzbek Cuisine

• Traditional Dishes
• Tea Culture
• Wine and Spirits

Other Lessons

• Passive Voice
• Forming sentences with negation
• The verb KELMOQ – to come
• Expressing a desire fo an action
• Causative Constructions
• Past Tense
• Accusative case
• Relative Clauses
• Conditional Sentences
• Nouns

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