The Role of Folk Oral Traditions in Sa’dulla Hakim’s Poetry (On the Example of Proverbs and Aphorisms)

Аннотация

This article examines the role and function of folk oral tradition in the poetry of Sa’dulla Hakim, with a particular focus on the use of proverbs and aphorisms. The study explores how the poet integrates traditional wisdom and culturally embedded expressions into his poetic language, thereby enriching the semantic layers of his work and reinforcing national identity. By analyzing selected verses, the article illustrates how Hakim employs folkloric elements not merely as decorative language but as a means to convey philosophical depth, ethical values, and social commentary. The research underscores the poet’s ability to modernize traditional forms without losing their cultural authenticity, thus contributing to the preservation and evolution of Uzbek literary heritage. Keywords: Sadulla Hakim, folk oral tradition, proverbs, aphorisms, Uzbek poetry, cultural heritage, national identity, poetic expression. Introduction: It is well known that the Uzbek people possess a rich cultural heritage, both oral and written, accumulated over many centuries. Proverbs and aphorisms form an integral part of this heritage. These expressions not only enhance the emotional and aesthetic appeal of speech but also imbue it with figurative depth. Due to their brevity and profundity, proverbs and aphorisms serve to more vividly convey the author’s intended message. Moreover, the use of such expressions is indicative of European International Journal of Philological Sciences 52 https://eipublication.com/index.php/eijps European International Journal of Philological Sciences the folk-oriented nature of a work. The renowned poet To bend is worse than to break.” Sa’dulla Hakim made extensive use of these devices in Here, the proverb “Truth bends, but does not break” is his poetry, earning his works a place among the most subtly embedded in the meaning of the verse. Similarly: popular and accessible to the general public. In This I found while roaming the land — expressing the physical appearance and inner emotional experiences of his lyrical persona, the poet A phrase native to my people. skillfully employed numerous aphorisms and proverbs. Like pearls strung on a thread, I gathered them: His collections, such as Hamal Tonglari (The Dawns of One who hasn’t seen a horse races with the rider, Aries), Sen Kutgan Bahor (The Spring You Awaited), Yoz One who hasn’t seen an enemy fights with a foe. Oqshomi (Summer Evening), Ona So‘z (Mother’s Word), and Ko‘ngil Yuzi (The Face of the Soul), contain Such lines serve as further examples. The poet always over one hundred proverbs, wise sayings, and strives for simplicity in expression and frequently uses aphorisms. proverbs as supporting evidence to enhance the meaning of his poetry: Sa’dulla Hakim effectively used folk proverbs in his poetry to express sentiments of patriotism, humanity, In my view, our ancestors justice, harmony, and friendship: Were both simple and great. May success accompany knowledge and labor, Truly, they were geniuses: Thus spoke the people, wishing each other well. “A woman’s cunning could burden forty camels.” Those who cling to knowledge’s hem Sa’dulla Hakim also creates new variations of existing Will never be humiliated, the people said. proverbs and aphorisms, replacing certain words to refresh their meaning: The poet often includes multiple proverbs or aphorisms within a single stanza, which enhances the If you win a mother’s heart, clarity of his message and reflects traditional Uzbek Your desires will surely be fulfilled. customs and values: They say: that is your pilgrimage to Mecca, Remember this saying well: And you are deemed a true pilgrim. Wise words serve the wise. In these lines, the poet skillfully transforms the The one riding a horse has sound legs, traditional saying “To win a mother’s heart is like a While the one walking has a sound mind. pilgrimage to Mecca” into a new artistic form, preserving its essence while renewing its imagery. In some instances, the poet uses proverbs metaphorically, adapting them to the context of the In short, through such verses, Sa’dulla Hakim not only narrative: makes effective use of traditional proverbs and wise sayings but also reinterprets and expands their As the moon fades and sets meanings, creating new aphorisms. This enriches the Within the summer twilight, language of his works, makes them more expressive and A woman kindles a flame of silk folk-oriented, and contributes significantly to the At the very tips of her feet. development of the Uzbek literary language and the culture of speech. In the above lines, the incorporated proverbs and aphorisms convey nuanced meanings, helping to REFERENCES clarify and amplify the poet’s ideas. Ҳаким С. Ҳамал тонглари. – Т.: Ғафур Ғулом номидаги If you walk, you’ll hear wisdom everywhere: Адабиёт ва санъат нашриёти, 2001. – 160 б. Whether from this side or that. Ҳаким С. Сен кутган баҳор. – Т.: Адабиёт нашриёти, 2003. – 142 б. With a good wife, this world is paradise; Ҳа