CULTURAL SPECIFICITY THROUGH REALIA: AN ANALYSIS OF MARK TWAIN AND O. HENRY'S LITERARY TECHNIQUES

This article explores the role of realia in conveying cultural specificity in the literary works of Mark Twain and O. Henry. It examines how culture-bound elements function as carriers of national identity, social context, and artistic expression within their narratives. Through comparative analysis, the study identifies key differences in the authors’ use of realia, highlighting Twain’s emphasis on regional dialects and realism, and O. Henry’s concise, stylistically driven approach. The research also addresses the challenges of translating realia and the importance of preserving cultural meaning in cross-cultural communication. The findings demonstrate that realia are essential in shaping literary authenticity and enhancing the interpretive depth of texts.