A Humorical Genre in Uzbek Folk Literature: Lof
Uzbek Folk Literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61620/tfa.94Keywords:
lof, lofchi, Uzbek, folk literature, askiya, jokeAbstract
This study examines lof, a humorous and unique genre in Uzbek folk literature that is not attested in other Turkic or regional traditions. Lof is a form of verbal competition between two performers, known as lofchis, in which each participant takes turns telling exaggerated and imaginary lies. The first lofchi presents an unbelievable and humorous falsehood; the second responds with an even more absurd and clever lie, without contradicting the first. The goal is to entertain the audience through verbal wit and creativity. Although lof resembles the Turkish fıkra—a short, humorous folk tale—in terms of brevity and humor, it differs significantly in terms of function and mode of performance. While fıkra is narrative-based and can be told by anyone, lof requires live performance, improvisation, and verbal skill. Lofchis are typically trained through a master-apprentice tradition and are known for their sharp minds and linguistic agility. In this respect, lof is both a vivid example of oral culture and a reflection of traditional humor. This study reveals that lof is not only a form of entertainment, but also a manifestation of the people's wit, linguistic creativity, and cultural knowledge.
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