Azerbaijan words of the fathers and their characteristics

Abstract

This study explores the linguistic and cultural significance of Azerbaijani proverbial expressions referred to as “atalar sözü” or “words of the fathers,” which constitute an essential layer of the nation’s folkloric heritage. These expressions, deeply embedded in ceremonial and everyday communication, are analyzed for their historical development, pragmatic functions, and structural characteristics. While folk genres such as blessings, curses, oaths, and prayers have been discussed in previous literature, the specific nature and role of “atalar sözü” as a distinct folkloric phenomenon remain understudied. To address this research gap, the article aims to systematize these expressions within the broader framework of folklore, focusing on their semantic dualities, mnemonic structure, and moral content. It was used a qualitative and comparative lens, examining the idiomatic and syntactic features of selected expressions and their usage across different social contexts. It was determined that “atalar sözü” serve not only as vessels of ethical norms and practical wisdom but also as concise linguistic units with binary construction that enhance oral transmission.  Their function is more than the aesthetic expression, influencing behavior norms and upholding intergenerational continuity. By foregrounding the multifunctionality of such expressions—from education to social regulation—it was underscored their relevance in contemporary cultural identity and linguistic research. Ultimately, this study contributes to the conservation and scholarly validity of intangible cultural heritage in Azerbaijan and offers methodological suggestions for future folklore and discourse studies.