Lexico-Semantic Peculiarities of English Riddles

Abstract

Riddles being one of the oldest and richest genres of folklore are valuable treasure of word reflecting the history, spiritual values, customs and traditions of the people in themselves.

The article is devoted to revealing linguistic phenomenon of English riddles and defining lexico-semantic peculiarities of English riddles. Riddles are referred to the ancient genre of oral folk poetry art and thus are included in the world heritage. English riddles have a lot in common with proverbs and sayings in content and artistic form. It should be noted that riddle helps to develop figurative and associative thinking, quick wits and logic.