ANALYSIS OF METAPHORICAL AND SYMBOLIC LAYERS IN FOLKLORE TEXTS

Abstract

This article investigates the role of metaphor and symbolism as central mechanisms in the construction of meaning in literary texts, with a particular focus on Uzbek folktales. It explores how these figurative devices function not only as aesthetic and stylistic tools but also as cognitive instruments that enable authors to convey complex ideas, emotions, and cultural norms. By analyzing selected narratives, the study demonstrates how metaphors and symbols encode communal values, ethical principles, and social ideologies, thereby enriching narrative structure and guiding reader interpretation. Furthermore, the article examines the ways in which figurative language preserves cultural memory, fosters moral education, and contributes to the aesthetic and intellectual depth of folklore. Through this analysis, the research highlights the integral function of metaphor and symbolism in sustaining the narrative richness and cultural significance of Uzbek oral traditions.