Journal statistics
How to use the archive
When the cursor changes from an arrow to a pointing finger, it indicates a link that you may click on to select that item.
The blue buttons at the top can be selected to return to the overview or to run a search for specific information.
Most volumes have been split into two parts, each with separate articles. When you select a specific number, all of the articles will be listed with details of the author, date of publication, language and the size of the file that will be downloaded if you choose that option. Just click on the yellow "Download" button to transfer a copy of the article to your own computer or device.
- Language Family: Kwa
- Topic #1: Discourse
- Topic #2: Semantics
Riddles are an understudied feature of language from a linguistic point of view,
probably because they are deemed to be only for children. This study of riddles in the
Chumburung language of Ghana looks first at their structure, then at the cultural relevance
of many of them. Riddles are often told following one another grouped together by
similarity. This study then suggests that metonymy (or sustained metaphor) is a general
feature of such groups. The possible functions of riddles are mentioned. In conclusion, the
study suggests some ways in which riddles in the mother tongue could be used in education
without diminishing their fun.
Les énigmes constituent un champ de recherche peu étudié en linguistique,
probablement du fait qu’on les considère comme un domaine de prédilection réservé aux
enfants. Dans cette étude sur les énigmes en chumburung, une langue du Ghana, l’auteur
retrace dans un premier temps leur structure, ensuite la pertinence culturelle de beaucoup
d’entr’eux et mentionne en outre leurs fonctions éventuelles. Les énigmes se racontent
souvent l’un après l’autre en étant regroupés selon leur similitude. Cette étude suggère
qu’une caractéristique saillante de tels regroupements est la métonymie (ou une métaphore
soutenue). Pour conclure, l’étude suggère des pistes d’utilisation des énigmes issus des
langues maternelles dans l’enseignement sans pour autant diminuer leur côté ludique.