Rhetorical and Metaphorical devices in Punjabi Folk Songs: A Cultural and Linguistic Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the intricate utilization of rhetorical elements in Punjabi folk songs, asserting their pivotal role as conduits for cultural expression and identity. Through a textual analysis approach, the research meticulously scrutinizes rhetorical patterns and tropes within two iconic Punjabi folk songs, specifically "Jugni", "Chitta Kukkar", and "Paar Chanaa De", obtained from online repositories. Situated within the framework of Symbolic Interactionism theory, the study contextualizes rhetorical craftsmanship within the broader spectrum of Punjabi cultural identity and oral tradition. The findings indicate that rhetorical devices not only augment the aesthetic appeal of the songs but also convey profound layers of significance, facilitating the transmission of cultural values and communal identity. Consequently, this study underscores the enduring importance of Punjabi folklore as a dynamic reservoir of cultural expression and collective memory.