THE ROLE OF OXUNJON SAFAROV'S SCHOLARLY LEGACY IN THE THEORETICAL DEVELOPMENT OF UZBEK CHILDREN'S FOLKLORE

This article examines the significant role of Oxunjon Safarov’s scholarly legacy in the theoretical development of Uzbek children’s folklore. It highlights the historical roots of children’s oral poetic creativity and emphasizes its formation as a scientific field in the second half of the twentieth century. The study analyzes Safarov’s extensive fieldwork, his efforts in collecting and systematizing folklore materials, and his major publications, including Boychechak, Alla-yo alla, and Chittigul. Particular attention is given to his contribution to the classification of genres and his development of a scientific framework for understanding the structure, genesis, and poetics of children’s folklore.