STRUCTURAL AND SEMANTIC FEATURES OF AZERBAIJANI (NAKHCHIVAN) AND ENGLISH FAIRY TALES

Abstract

This article explores the comparative study of Nakhchivan and English fairy tales, high-lighting their structural, semantic, and linguistic features. Unlike legends and epics, fairy tales are free from historical or religious facts, focusing instead on imaginative plots and traditional expres-sions. The study classifies fairy tales into types such as magical tales, love tales, historical tales, household tales, and animal tales. Special attention is given to magical tales, which are character-ized by supernatural elements, fixed structures, and symbolic characters such as fairies, giants, witches, and talking animals. Household tales, by contrast, reflect social life and practical wisdom, while animal tales serve as allegories of human behavior. Both Nakhchivan and English traditions share similarities in the use of opening formulas like “Once upon a time” or “Günlərin bir günü,” though each also has its unique stylistic expressions. Overall, the research emphasizes that fairy tales in both traditions are not merely entertainment but a means of transmitting moral values, wis-dom, and cultural identity across generations.