An Analysis of Onomatopoeia and Sound Symbolism in Punjabi Folklore and Children’s Songs

This study explores the intersection of sound, language, and culture through the acoustic and linguistic examination of onomatopoeia and sound symbolism in Punjabi folklore and children’s songs. These oral expressions of folk culture serve as more than mere entertainment; they function as pedagogic and mnemonic aids and instruments of cultural transmission. The research is rooted in cultural phonetics and sociolinguistics, investigating how pitch, rhythm, repetition, and prosodic enhancement enrich narrative phonology and support intergenerational transmission of values. Employing qualitative techniques, two folktales and children’s songs are analysed for phonological motifs, symbolic connotations, and social significance. The results reveal the strategic use of sound-symbolic elements, particularly within plosives, nasals, intonation patterns, and repeated phrases, which convey emotion, clarify intent, and reinforce moral and social norms. The study highlights how stories told through sound enhance children’s linguistic, symbolic, and emotional development. This research contributes to the underexplored domain of South Asian acoustic-linguistic traditions and offers valuable insights for sociolinguists, educationalists, and anthropologists. It posits that the phonetic beauty of Punjabi oral tales is purposefully shaped as a mnemonic device, enhancing emotional intelligence and sustaining cultural memory.