THE EXPRESSION OF FOLK PROVERBS IN THE TEXT OF THE NOVEL “O‘TKAN KUNLAR”
Abstract: This article analyzes the artistic and linguistic features of folk proverbs used in Abdulla Qodiriy’s novel O‘tkan Kunlar (Bygone Days). The study examines the role of proverbs in enriching the system of characters, their function in the speech of the protagonists, and their significance in reflecting the national mentality. The research also explores the ways in which proverbs are integrated into the text structure, their contextual meanings, and their stylistic functions.
Keywords: Folk proverbs, O‘tkan Kunlar, Abdulla Qodiriy, literary text, linguostylistics, paremia, speech culture, imagery.
Abdulla Qodiriy’s novel O‘tkan Kunlar occupies a special place in Uzbek literature. The work is distinguished not only by its high artistic value but also by its unique language and style. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the masterful use of folk proverbs, which represent some of the finest examples of oral folk creativity.
Folk proverbs are forms of wisdom passed down from generation to generation, embodying the life experiences and intellectual heritage of the people. They are concise yet profound expressions that reflect the worldview and cultural values of a nation. Qodiriy employs this rich heritage skillfully; he does not insert proverbs mechanically into the text but integrates them harmoniously with the psychology of the characters, the development of the plot, and the ideological message of the novel.
Although O‘tkan Kunlar has been extensively studied, the linguistic and stylistic analysis of its proverbs has not yet become a fully explored field of research. Therefore, this topic remains highly relevant. The present article aims to identify the proverbs found in the novel, classify them into thematic groups, determine their contextual functions, and demonstrate their value within the literary text.
When discussing the integration of proverbs into literary texts, it should be noted that the use of folk proverbs in literature has a long tradition. However, each writer continues this tradition in a unique way. Qodiriy employs three main methods of incorporating proverbs into his novel.
The first method is the use of a proverb in its complete and unchanged form. In such cases, the proverb appears directly in the speech of a character or in the author’s narration, allowing the reader to recognize it immediately. For example, the proverb “The dog barks, but the caravan moves on” is used in this manner.
The second method involves adapting a proverb to fit the context. In such instances, the core meaning of the proverb remains intact, while the word order or certain lexical elements are modified. This technique allows the proverb to blend more naturally into the text.
The third method is the indirect expression of a proverb’s meaning. Here, the proverb itself is not explicitly stated; instead, its essence is conveyed through the actions of the characters or the reflections of the narrator. This is the most complex method and requires a higher level of literary competence from the reader.
Qodiriy’s mastery lies in his ability to combine these three methods harmoniously. As a result, the text gains multiple layers of meaning rather than remaining a straightforward narrative.
The proverbs found in O‘tkan Kunlar can be classified into several thematic groups:
1. Proverbs about human relationships and loyalty;
2. Proverbs about wisdom and life experience.
The first group is the most common in the novel. Since the central theme of the work is love and loyalty, Qodiriy frequently employs proverbs related to these concepts. Proverbs such as “A good friend is like one’s hands and feet; a bad friend is a headache” are used to evaluate the relationships between Otabek and the people around him. Such proverbs serve as criteria for assessing the character and behavior of others.
Proverbs related to love are primarily used to express the feelings and devotion between Otabek and Kumush. These proverbs not only create a particular emotional atmosphere but also enable readers to gain deeper insight into the inner worlds of the characters.
The speeches of older characters, especially Yusufbek Hoji and other experienced figures, contain numerous proverbs related to wisdom and life experience. Proverbs such as “A wise enemy is better than a foolish friend” enrich their speech and emphasize their image as wise and knowledgeable individuals.
These proverbs form the educational and enlightening layer of the novel. Through them, Qodiriy conveys valuable life lessons to readers, not through direct preaching but through artistic expression.
The novel portrays the complexity of life and the unexpected turns of human destiny. Accordingly, proverbs expressing ideas such as “The heart longs for what the eyes have seen” or “No one can escape death” are reflected throughout the work. Such proverbs are often used during moments of hardship, despair, and suffering experienced by the characters.
These proverbs allow the misfortunes faced by the characters to be interpreted from a folk-philosophical perspective and contribute to the tragic tone of the novel.
In contexts associated with positive characters, especially Yusufbek Hoji, proverbs about hard work and perseverance are frequently encountered. Proverbs carrying meanings similar to “Those who strive achieve their goals” reflect the characters’ active approach to life and their philosophy of diligence.
One of the most important stylistic techniques employed by Qodiriy is adapting proverbs to the individual speech characteristics of his characters. Through this method, each character acquires a distinct linguistic portrait.
Yusufbek Hoji’s speech is particularly rich in proverbs. This is not accidental: he is a man of experience, wisdom, and eloquence. The proverbs he uses are carefully considered and perfectly suited to the situations in which they appear. At the same time, they deepen and enrich his character.
In contrast, the proverbs found in Kumush’s speech perform a somewhat different function. They are more emotional and heartfelt, serving as expressions of her inner feelings and emotional struggles. Here, the proverb functions not as a logical conclusion but as a manifestation of emotion.
Negative characters such as Hamid also use proverbs, but they often employ them incorrectly or manipulate them for personal gain. Through this technique, Qodiriy reveals the hypocrisy and deceitfulness of such characters.
In O‘tkan Kunlar, proverbs simultaneously perform several stylistic functions.
As a means of description. Proverbs often provide a level of precision and conciseness that cannot be achieved through ordinary language. Instead of lengthy descriptions, Qodiriy can portray an entire situation through a single proverb.
As a compositional device. In certain chapters and sections, proverbs serve as compositional nodes. They may momentarily pause the flow of events, encouraging readers to reflect, or they may prepare the ground for subsequent developments.
As a means of preserving national color. O‘tkan Kunlar depicts Uzbek life in the nineteenth century. Proverbs play a crucial role in recreating the speech and communication style characteristic of that period. They strengthen the historical and national atmosphere of the novel.
As a means of revealing character psychology. In many cases, the choice of a particular proverb and the context in which it is used reveal important aspects of a character’s inner world and emotional state. This forms part of Qodiriy’s technique of psychological realism.
A linguistic analysis of the proverbs in the novel reveals several important features.
Lexical characteristics. Proverbs generally employ simple and widely understandable vocabulary. However, this simplicity is only superficial; each word is carefully selected and precisely placed. The novel also contains archaic lexical elements, enriching its historical and linguistic dimension.
Syntactic characteristics. Most folk proverbs consist of two parts: the first presents a condition or description, while the second provides a conclusion. This parallel syntactic structure is preserved in the proverbs found throughout the novel. Such a structure creates rhythmic appeal and facilitates memorization.
Figurative usage. Many of the proverbs in the novel contain metaphors, comparisons, and irony. These figurative devices elevate them beyond simple didactic statements and transform them into genuine artistic expressions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, O‘tkan Kunlar is not only a masterpiece of Uzbek literature but also an exemplary illustration of how folk proverbs can be effectively integrated into a literary text. Abdulla Qodiriy demonstrates remarkable skill in using proverbs: he incorporates them naturally into the narrative, employs them effectively in character development, and relies on them as one of the principal means of preserving national color and historical atmosphere.
The thematic and linguistic study of the proverbs in the novel reveals new layers of meaning within the text. This once again confirms the promising potential of studying Qodiriy’s literary heritage from the perspectives of modern literary criticism and linguistics. Future research may yield significant results through comparative analyses of the proverbs in O‘tkan Kunlar and those found in the works of other Uzbek writers.
Akbarova Farangiz was born on May 16, 2005, in Qumqorgon district, Surkhandarya region. She is currently a 3rd-year student at Termiz University of Economics and Service, Faculty of Pedagogy and Social Sciences, majoring in Preschool and Primary Education with a specialization in Foreign Language, Group 2.23.