LINGUISTIC MECHANISMS AND ARTISTIC FUNCTIONS OF HUMOR IN THE WORK "SHUM BOLA"

This article explores the linguistic mechanisms and artistic functions of humor in Gafur Gulom’s “Shum Bola” (“The Naughty Boy”). The research focuses on how humor is constructed through various linguistic means, including lexical choices, syntactic structures, pragmatic strategies, and stylistic devices such as irony, exaggeration, wordplay, and situational contrast. Special attention is given to the interaction between verbal and situational comedy, which together create a multi-layered humorous effect. The analysis demonstrates that humor in “Shum Bola” is not merely an entertaining element but serves important artistic and social functions. It reflects cultural values, exposes social contradictions, and contributes to character development, particularly in portraying the protagonist’s worldview and behavior. Furthermore, the study highlights how humor enhances the narrative dynamics and engages the reader, making the text both expressive and memorable. The findings suggest that the linguistic realization of humor plays a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and communicative impact of the literary work.