PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS IN FOLKLORE STUDIES: A LINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article examines phraseological units in folkloristics as an important intersection of language, culture, and collective memory. Phraseological units, including idioms, proverbs, and other fixed expressions, are analyzed as stable and reproducible linguistic forms whose meanings often extend beyond the literal meanings of their components. Special attention is given to their role in folklore genres such as proverbs, riddles, tales, songs, and oral poetry, where they function as carriers of cultural values, historical experience, and social norms. The study highlights key characteristics of phraseological units in folklore, including stability, figurativeness, non-compositionality, and expressive power. It also explores their origins in myths, religious beliefs, historical events, and everyday practices, emphasizing their value for historical and etymological research. Furthermore, the article discusses the linguopoetic and cognitive functions of phraseological expressions, showing how they shape the phraseological picture of the world and reflect the worldview of a speech community. The findings demonstrate that phraseological units in folklore are not only linguistic phenomena but also cultural artifacts that preserve national identity and traditional wisdom across generations.