Characteristics of the Genres of the Lyric Type in Folklore

Abstract

Lyric genre in folklore is one of the most important forms of artistic expression that reflects people’s inner feelings and emotions. According to literary theory, literature is generally divided into three main types: epic, dramatic, and lyric. The lyric type focuses on expressing a person’s inner world, emotions, and personal attitude toward life events. In lyric works, the emotional state of a person, such as joy, sadness, love, longing, hope, and other spiritual feelings, becomes more important than the description of external events. Although lyric works are usually short, they often contain deep meaning and strong emotional influence.

The history of the lyric genre is very ancient. In early times, poems were performed with the accompaniment of musical instruments, and later this tradition developed both in folklore and written literature. In Azerbaijani oral folk literature, lyric genres were formed as collective works reflecting the lifestyle, traditions, and worldview of the people. These works were spread orally for many years and passed down from generation to generation.

Lyric genres of folklore include songs, bayatis, laments, lullabies, praises, and affectionate verses. Each of these genres emerged in connection with certain life events and emotional situations. For example, bayatis are short poetic forms that express folk wisdom; laments reflect sorrow and grief related to loss; and lullabies express a mother’s love and care for her child. Songs often appear in connection with labor, ceremonies, and seasonal events.

Overall, lyric folklore genres represent the spiritual world, aesthetic thinking, and cultural values of the Azerbaijani people. They preserve the historical memory of the nation and play an important role in the development of national culture.