Specific features of the “Dozens” genre in Afro-American culture

In the development and maturity of American literature, folklore plays a vital role. Although many researchers have studied various genres of folklore, such as folk songs, folk tales, fairy tales, ballads, proverbs and riddles, the “dozens” folkloric genre of Afro-Americans has not been explored thoroughly. Moreover, the “dozens” genre has not been compared with its analogue in other languages.
This article touches upon the “dozens” genre, the oral speech product of Afro-American peoples, and its emergence. The “dozens” genre is a verbal game between participants, prevalent in black groups living in the USA. Here, contenders mock one another (jokingly) until they surrender. Interestingly, the “dozens” can be compared with “askiya” in the Uzbek language – folklore genre; an artistic competition of two or more people or groups on a specific topic at a public gathering (party, wedding, and celebration). The parties try to respond quickly, sometimes sitting, standing or walking in the opposite direction, to present their answers succinctly, eloquently, subtly, effectively, charmingly and funny. However, “askiya” to some extent differs from the “dozens”. Based on the Uzbek mentality, “askiya” participants do not raise sexual issues or they do not insult players’ mothers. So, these are some of the distinctive features between “askiya” and “dozens”.
Since it is aimed at exploring an element of the folklore genre (the dozens), the researcher also pays close attention to the interconnection of folklore with the national literature of a particular country, the history of Afro-American peoples as it is necessary to explore the origins and development of the “dozens” genre.
Traditionally, “dozens” is performed in front of spectators, which encourages them to respond with increasingly strong insults in order to increase the responsiveness among the participants. As a result, it makes the competition more enjoyable.
Customarily, the opponent’s intelligence, appearance, skills and socioeconomic status are on the target by the game comments. Discriminatory remarks about other participants’ family members are acceptable. Particularly, they are used to humiliate mamas (so, they start the game with the remark “yo’ mama...”). Spectators often hear the comment associated with intimate matters, a pun that is later referred to as “dirty dozens”.
The word game “dozens” is based on the agility, critical thinking and responsiveness of the participants. It’s natural that the competition between them will arouse the interest of the audience. The audience evaluates the parties and their responses with their laughter and passionate shouts.