Educational Functions of Usak Tales in the Context of Functional Theory

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Abstract Folk tales are ancient traces that shape the cultural identities of societies. Passed down orally from generation to generation, folk tales have significant functions both in the transmission of culture and in education. By fostering children's imagination, folk tales serve as a bridge from their limitless imaginary worlds to real life. Supported in their cognitive development, children are able to navigate more effectively between fiction and reality through folk tales. Additionally, folk tales help children perceive a just world order where bad behaviors are punished and good behaviors rewarded. Holding an important place within Turkish culture, folk tales contribute not only to educational development but also to raising awareness of national and universal cultural values among children. Like many other folklore products, folk tales serve various functions in production and transmission. Among these, William Bascom categorizes folklore's functions into four main types: entertainment, reinforcement of values, transmission of education, and escapism from oppression. This study focuses on one of these functions—specifically, the educational function of transmitting culture to future generations—by examining Uşak folk tales and their role in fulfilling this purpose.