THE TRADITION OF GENERATIONAL UPBRINGING IN FOLK SONGS: PAST AND PRESENT

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 9 THE TRADITION OF GENERATIONAL UPBRINGING IN FOLK SONGS: PAST AND PRESENT M. Abdujabbarova Uzbek State Institute of Arts and Culture, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17655411 Absract. This thesis analyzes the inseparable connection between traditional songs and the educational ideas embedded within them and the modern education system. It provides a scientific basis for how spiritual values, such as kindness, respect for parents, patriotism, and other ideas reflected in folk songs, contribute to the formation of national identity in the minds of today's youth. Concurrently, an analysis of ideological trends in contemporary songs is conducted, revealing the importance of harmony between modern traditions and innovation in current educational practices. Keywords: traditional song, spirituality, education, musical heritage, contemporary trend, national yalues. Introduction The spiritual image of every nation is vividly reflected in its musical heritage, especially in its songs. Ancient songs are recognized as an important cultural phenomenon that clearly expresses the people’s way of life, their position in social processes, worldview, and moral values. The idea that “old songs and old education are our today’s songs and today’s education” emphasizes the need to scientifically analyze the organic connection between tradition and modernity. Music is considered an essential component of human spirituality. It not only expresses emotions but also plays a great role in shaping human consciousness, education, and the process of socialization. In particular, folk songs are the brightest manifestation of a nation’s spirituality — through them, the history, morality, and worldview of a people are clearly revealed. If we explain the educational function of songs with a clear example, let us take the song “Ayrilma” by Makhtumquli — a song much loved by our ancestors. The poem was written by the great poet Makhtumquli, the melody was composed by the master Komiljon Otaniyozov, and also performed by Komiljon Otaniyozov himself. Here we can see a combination of several art forms, namely:  the art of poetry (literary art)  the art of melody  the art of instrumental performance  the art of singing  the art of vocal performance All these are harmoniously united with a single purpose — to educate and uplift the listener and the individual. “Mastona yurghancha ghayri ellarda, Unib o‘sgan o‘z yurtindan ayrilma, Bir ma’lum kaklikdek nafsing yo‘linda, Doma tushib qanotingdan ayrilma. Doma tushib qanotingdan ayrilma, ayrilma...” That is — “Do not part from your homeland where you grew up; do not lose your wings for the sake of worldly desires; do not part from your teacher who educated you.” You see, there is advice, spirituality, melody, and harmony in this. Among young people, we can hold lectures about patriotism and love for the homeland. However, this single song can directly reach the hearts of every young listener — boys and girls alike — guiding them toward goodness and preventing them from making mistakes. SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 10 It should also be noted that when listening to our Uzbek classical works and songs, one must pay attention to their meaning and essence. Because when a person listens while understanding the true meaning of a work, it unconsciously calls the listener toward selfcultivation, purifies their spirit from negative thoughts, and increases the sense of compassion within them. One cannot physically observe what goes on inside a person’s heart and mind. Yet, these inner feelings and emotions can be seen during the process of listening to music. That is, through the way a listener emotionally feels a song — what thoughts and memories it evokes in their inner world — one can observe and understand whether they are an extrovert or introvert, whether they are in a depressive state or, on the contrary, in a joyful mood. This can be done through the method of psychological observation. The listener’s state at that moment becomes the story of their heart — the reflection of their soul. Throughout history, at every stage of human civilization, scholars have reflected deeply on the moral and spiritual ideas of their times, leaving behind invaluable intellectual legacies for future generations. Across different eras of human development, culture and its educational function have always played a crucial role in serving the interests of the ruling classes or dominant social groups of their respective periods. The Interconnection Between Human Life and Art From the very first steps of human life, art has been inseparably linked to existence itself. The gentle lullaby sung by a mother — her tender, soothing voice filled with warmth and love — embodies the very essence of humanity’s emotional and spiritual beauty. In the lullaby, we find a synthesis of folk language, poetic expression, melody, and emotion. Indeed, the lullaby represents one of the most harmonious and natural forms of artistic creation. Changing Interests of Youth Through Generations About ten to fifteen years ago, during the childhood of the previous generation, children were mainly fascinated by circus performances, cartoons, fairy tales, adventures, and puppet theater. Teenagers of that time were attracted to stories about military adventures, detectives, secret agents, science fiction, and tales of first love — they eagerly read such works with curiosity and imagination. In contrast, the youth of the 21st century, the age of rapid globalization, have vastly different interests. Their attention is primarily drawn to technology and digital entertainment — mobile games such as Clash Royale, Roblox, Minecraft, and Brawl Stars; computer and console games like Fortnite, FIFA, and Call of Duty; as well as virtual reality (VR) experiences. Additionally, many young people are active on social media and video platforms such as TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, where they enjoy watching and creating videos, running personal blogs (vlogs, gameplay, DIY content), and aspiring to become digital creators. Furthermore, today’s youth are also deeply influenced by music and popular culture — following famous artists and groups such as BTS, Blackpink, and Billie Eilish, and engaging with global trends on social platforms. Alongside this, a growing number of young people are taking interest in science and technology, including coding (Scratch, Python), robotics, STEM projects, space exploration, nature, and digital learning platforms like Khan Academy and Duolingo, showing increasing motivation toward self-development and foreign language learning. Educational and Social Implications Understanding, guiding, and supporting these evolving interests is a major responsibility for educators, parents, and society at large. Modern technologies and global cultural influences present enormous opportunities — but they also demand awareness and responsibility. Therefore, scientifically analyzing children’s and adolescents’ interests and providing them with healthy, constructive directions is of great importance for the future development of society. The role of folk songs in modern digital education In the digital age, the transmission of cultural heritage has taken on new forms. Folk songs, which once relied on oral tradition, are now being preserved, shared, and reinterpreted through SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 11 digital technologies. Platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and educational websites provide global access to traditional Uzbek melodies, allowing the younger generation to connect with their cultural roots while engaging in a technologically advanced environment. Integrating folk songs into modern educational platforms — including virtual classrooms, multimedia lessons, and interactive learning applications — offers an innovative approach to combining tradition with technology. For example, music-based educational programs that include folk melodies can enhance students’ emotional intelligence, strengthen cultural identity, and foster creativity. Moreover, incorporating traditional music into digital education aligns with the principles of intercultural dialogue promoted by UNESCO, encouraging respect for diversity and strengthening the moral foundations of global citizenship. In this sense, folk songs serve not only as an artistic and spiritual legacy but also as an effective pedagogical tool that bridges generations in a rapidly changing world. Conclusion In any society, humanity cannot exist without art and spirituality. In conclusion, folk songs have served as the foundation of humanity’s spiritual world, moral code, and ethical pedagogy. They have been a vital means of transmitting values, emotions, and wisdom across generations. Today’s songs, while modern in form, should remain rooted in these same deep cultural and spiritual foundations — becoming instruments for shaping a contemporary consciousness. If music, song, and art are developed not as tools of commercial profit but as sources of moral and spiritual education, then song will transform into a powerful scientific and pedagogical resource on the path to moral perfection for the modern generation. REFERENCES 1. Раҳмонов, Б. (2020). Халқ мусиқаси ва тарбия жараёнлари ўзаро боғлиқлиги. Тошкент: Ўқитувчи. 2. Абдуллаева, Н. (2022). Мусиқий маданият ва ёшлар маънавияти. Самарқанд: Зарафшон. 3. Юлдашев, О. (2021). “Анъанавий қўшиқлар ва миллий ўзликни англаш масалалари.” Маданият ва жамият журнали, №4, 45–49-бетлар. 4. Маматова Г. И. Болаларни эстетик тарбиялашда санъатнинг ўрни. – Тошкент: ТДПУ нашриёти, 2021. 5. Ҳошимов М. Ҳ., Алимов Ш. Х. 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