Concepts of Time and Space in Science Fiction: A Comparative Analysis of Uzbek and World Authors

This study examines representations of time and space in science fiction through the lens of works by Uzbek and world authors, aiming to identify similarities and differences in their interpretations. The research is based on textual analysis, including works by Uzbek writers from the 20th-21st centuries and key figures in global science fiction such as George Orwell and Philip Dick. The methodology incorporates comparative literary analysis and semiotic methods to study models of time and space, as well as an examination of the influence of cultural context on their formation. The study reveals that Uzbek science fiction often emphasizes a cyclical understanding of time, reflecting traditional regional perceptions where time is viewed as a repetitive process mirroring natural rhythms and societal rituals. In contrast, works by world authors predominantly feature linear temporal models, typically progressing from past to future with an emphasis on transformative change, frequently linked to scientific and technological advancement and futuristic scenarios. Spatial concepts in Uzbek science fiction are characterized by a focus on local realities, incorporating geographical, cultural, and historical contexts that underpin narrative structures and ideological motifs. Meanwhile, in world literature, space is more commonly depicted as global or cosmic, transcending specific localities to encompass expansive worlds or universes, enabling authors to explore themes of globalization, universalism, and human expansion. In 65% of the analyzed Uzbek texts, time and space are interconnected within the framework of the characters' spiritual and social development, whereas in global works, this relationship is more often tied to technological aspects.