PSEUDONYM AS AN INTEGRAL ELEMENT IN THE WORKS OF AZERBAIJANI, ENGLISH AND AMERICAN WRITERS AND POETS

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of pseudonym usage in Azerbaijani, British, and American literature across different periods of social and cultural development. The study aims to identify the main reasons that motivated writers to adopt pseudonyms and to analyze the methods and principles of their formation. Particular attention is paid to the historical, political, social, cultural, and gender-related factors that influenced authors’ decisions to conceal or modify their real identities. The research explores how pseudonyms served various functions, including protection from censorship, avoidance of social prejudice, creation of a distinct literary image, and separation of personal and professional spheres. Through a comparative analysis of literary traditions in Azerbaijan, Great Britain, and the United States, the article reveals both common and culture-specific patterns in pseudonym creation. The findings demonstrate that pseudonyms represent not only a means of anonymity but also an important linguistic and cultural phenomenon reflecting the relationship between authors, society, and literary practice. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of authorial identity and naming strategies in world literature.