National Pride Through Folklore: A Historical Perspective

Arapbaeva Dinara Kurbanovna

Navoi Innovations University, Navoi, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Personality, Folklore, National Pride, Society, Spirituality.

Abstract: This article explores the historical evolution of philosophical perspectives on individual national pride

formation from ancient times to the present. It highlights a lacuna in scholarly research concerning the role of

folklore in shaping national pride, advocating for dedicated investigations in this area. Folklore, it posits,

encapsulates the historical trajectory of national pride formation while articulating social experiences within

a nation's mentality through artistic representation. Emphasising folklore's role as a unique form of social

experience, it argues for its significance in shaping individual national pride over time. The article underscores

the multifaceted nature of folklore's influence on national pride, subject to interpretation across different

epochs. It concludes by framing folklore as a distinctive manifestation of spiritual culture, crafted through

human intellect and labour, and contends that it serves a societal function in nurturing individual national

pride.

1 INTRODUCTION

In various social and humanistic fields, scholars study

the place, role, and significance of folklore art in

society's socio-spiritual life. This investigation poses

a significant scientific-theoretical challenge,

spawning numerous publications in both academic

and popular literature. Particularly, literature aimed at

fostering national pride tends to emphasise the

emotional, spiritual, and pedagogical dimensions of

folklore art. This focus leads to a categorisation that

delineates works of folklore art across historical

periods and philosophical underpinnings,

encapsulating the evolution of folklore philosophy

from antiquity through colonial eras to the

contemporary era of Uzbekistan's independence

(Nazarov 2006, et al.).

Within the realm of philosophical analysis of

national pride, literature explores two distinct

avenues. Firstly, there's a strand that idealises

national pride through religious and mystical lenses,

drawing inspiration from diverse spiritual traditions

such as Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam.

Secondly, there's a secular approach rooted in

scientific principles, which scrutinises the concept of

national pride through empirical, rational

frameworks. These strands offer nuanced

perspectives on the nature and expression of national

pride, enriching scholarly discourse on the subject

(Karimov, 2011).

Scholarly discourse on folklore art and national

pride underscores its multifaceted nature and its

profound impact on societal dynamics. By

categorising folklore art across historical epochs and

philosophical paradigms, scholars provide a

framework for understanding its evolution and

significance. Furthermore, the exploration of national

pride through religious, mystical, and secular lenses

adds depth to the discourse, offering diverse

perspectives that enrich our understanding of this

complex phenomenon in the socio-spiritual fabric of

society.

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Throughout human history, the formation of

individual national pride through folklore has held

significant philosophical significance. Early

examples from ancient texts like the "Avesta", Yusuf

Khos Hajib's "Kutadgu Bilig", and Mahmud

Koshgari's "Devonu lug'otit Turk" illustrate the

exploration of human identity.

Philosophers like Abu Nasr Farabi further delved

into the emotional impact of folklore on personal

pride through works such as "The City of Virtuous

People" and "Khamsa". These ancient and medieval

Kurbanovna, A.

National Pride Through Folklore: A Historical Perspective.

DOI: 10.5220/0012941800003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 1001-1003

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

1001

sources offer valuable insights into the role of

folklore art in shaping individual national pride.

During the Middle Ages in the East and later in

the European Renaissance, significant shifts occurred

in the study of folklore and its societal impact.

Scholars began to analyse the social significance of

folklore in forming personal pride, leading to a deeper

understanding of its influence. In the works of

Behbudi, Avloni, Cholpon, and Fitrat, the practical

ways of enhancing folklore's effectiveness in shaping

individual national pride were thoroughly examined.

In more recent times, particularly towards the end

of the 20th century and into the 21st century, Uzbek

folklore studies have highlighted the significance of

pride and the understanding of national identity.

While earlier studies might have been influenced by

the ruling communist system, contemporary research

tackles universal issues of national pride. Scholars

like S. Shermuhamedov, F. Solieva, S. Atamuratov,

and A. Achildiev have conducted extensive research

on the role of national and universal values in shaping

individual national pride, aligning with the interests

of a changing society and reflecting the evolving

nature of folklore's influence.

3 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Folklore serves as a crucial element in shaping

national pride within a nation's historical narrative. It

acts as a conduit through which individual pride

transitions into a collective national identity. This

transition is influenced by subjective factors inherent

in the interpretation and transmission of folk culture.

Folklore embodies the spiritual essence of a people,

reflecting their historical experiences and values.

Thus, analysing the influence of folklore on personal

pride becomes pivotal in understanding the unity of a

nation's social fabric and its cultural identity.

At its core, folklore represents a tangible

manifestation of subjective influence on societal

dynamics. Through artistic expression and

metaphorical imagery, it encapsulates the ethos of a

nation, fostering a sense of pride and belonging

among its people. Folklore not only mirrors historical

events but also shapes perceptions of national pride

within the individual and collective consciousness. Its

significance lies in its ability to encapsulate societal

evolution and preserve cultural heritage.

The functional role of folklore in cultivating

individual and national pride is multifaceted. It serves

as a medium for transmitting societal values,

encapsulating historical experiences, and fostering a

sense of unity among citizens. By idealising aspects

of daily life and historical events, folklore imbues

individuals with a sense of patriotism and heroic

virtue. Moreover, it provides a platform for

individuals to engage with and contribute to their

cultural identity, thus reinforcing their place within

the social fabric of the nation.

In contemporary philosophical discourse, folklore

is often conceptualised as an artistic interpretation of

social existence. Through its narrative constructs,

folklore encapsulates societal attitudes towards

historical realities, shaping individual and collective

perceptions of national pride. Its influence extends

beyond mere storytelling; folklore instils moral and

ethical concepts such as honour and greatness,

thereby enriching the cultural landscape and

reinforcing the sense of national pride within society.

In folklore, the fusion of content and form

encapsulates the collective aspirations of social

groups, national interests, and individual pride. This

amalgamation reflects the societal ethos and

prevailing trends of a given historical era. Particularly

in contexts marked by enduring colonial influence,

folk art plays a crucial role in nurturing national pride,

offering a means to reclaim and cultivate spiritual

heritage.

Moreover, folklore transcends specific ethnic or

national boundaries, embodying shared experiences

and fostering cultural convergence. The archetypal

figures within folklore, resonating with the collective

psyche, serve as conduits for expressing national

identity and nurturing a sense of belonging,

underscoring the universality of their significance.

The aesthetic and social dimensions of folklore

mirror humanity's creative ethos and the spiritual

essence of individual belonging to a particular

community. Its efficacy lies in the seamless

integration of creative methods that harmonize

content and form, coupled with a nuanced

understanding of its socio-cultural context.

Through this synergy, folklore becomes a conduit

for the expression and embodiment of national pride,

permeating the fabric of everyday life. The process of

individual pride formation through folklore entails

not merely passive consumption but active

engagement, manifesting in practical endeavours that

enrich and reinvigorate cultural heritage.

Diverse individual responses to folklore

underscore the complex interplay between

socialization and intellectual disposition. The

effectiveness of folklore in shaping national identity

hinges on the degree of engagement and

comprehension exhibited by individuals. Moreover,

the societal reception of folklore reflects evolving

spiritual needs across historical epochs, with the

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alignment of folklore narratives with societal ideals

serving as a barometer for evaluating national pride.

However, the multifaceted nature of national identity

and the varied influences of subjective factors

underscore the challenges in assessing individual

pride formation through folklore.

Folklore's portrayal of societal realities resonates

with the spiritual yearnings of communities, offering

a pathway for personal and collective growth. Its

narrative motifs and characters encapsulate societal

aspirations, guiding individuals towards self-

realization and societal betterment. The

transformative potential of folklore lies in its ability

to engage with historical realities while evolving to

meet contemporary spiritual needs. Hence, the

evaluation of national pride formation through

folklore hinges on its capacity to reflect and inspire

societal ideals, illuminating pathways for future

progress and cultural enrichment.

4 CONCLUSION

The influence of folklore on an individual's sense of

national pride is a multifaceted phenomenon, with

interpretations varying across different historical

periods. It has been shaped by the prevailing priorities

in nurturing spiritually mature individuals. Today, the

significance of folklore in shaping personal national

pride is on the rise.

This warrants a nuanced, comprehensive

examination to understand its role in determining the

characteristics of national mentality. Folklore art, a

product of human intellect and labour, is a distinct

facet of spiritual culture. It serves as a social construct

aimed at instilling a sense of national pride in

individuals.

The prominence of issues surrounding national

identity and pride within folklore underscores the

creativity, talent, and character of individuals within

society. Rooted in reality, folklore acts as a conduit

for expressing societal ideals through the portrayal of

idealised imagery.

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Karimov, I. A. (2011). High spirituality is an inexhaustible

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Troyakov, P. A. (1977). Ethnographic motifs of realistic

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Nazarov, N. (2006). Peculiar aspects of Lakai ethnic

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117.

Abdukadyrov, R. M. (2015). The transformative power of

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