This article explores the transformation of critical discourse in twentieth-century Uzbek literature through the intellectual and scholarly legacy of Ozod Sharafiddinov. As one of the most influential literary critics of his time, Sharafiddinov played a decisive role in reshaping the language, methodology, and ethical foundations of Uzbek literary criticism. The study examines how his critical writings contributed to the transition from ideologically constrained, prescriptive criticism to a more interpretative, human-centered, and aesthetically grounded discourse. Special attention is paid to the evolution of critical terminology, narrative strategies, and evaluative principles in Sharafiddinov’s works, highlighting their impact on the broader literary process of the twentieth century. Employing discourse analysis and historical-literary methods, the article reveals how Sharafiddinov redefined the function of literary criticism as an autonomous intellectual practice. The findings demonstrate that his critical approach not only reflected the changing socio-cultural context of the period but also actively influenced the modernization of Uzbek literary thought.

Uzbek literary criticism, critical discourse, twentieth-century literature

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