An Examination of Stylistic Devices in Algerian Dialect Riddles

Abstract

This study examines the stylistic devices inherent in Algerian riddles (al-muḥājāt) to elucidate their structure and profound cultural significance. Based on a corpus of 102 riddles sourced from both archival documents and contemporary oral traditions, the analysis employs Galperin’s (1977) classification framework, which systematically includes phonetic, lexical, and syntactic stylistic devices. The findings reveal a marked predominance of lexical devices, notably personification and paradox, underscoring the sophisticated artistic and metaphorical construction of riddles within the Algerian oral tradition. Specifically, the high frequency of personification suggests a fundamental narrative strategy where inanimate objects are granted human-like qualities and actions, a technique that deliberately fosters the essential ambiguity of the genre. For instance, common household items or elements of nature are described as speaking, eating, or walking, forcing the solver to detach the descriptor from its literal human context. The study affirms the riddle as a rich linguistic and cultural form that effectively integrates creativity, cognitive challenges, and socio-cultural transmission. By systematically classifying these expressive means, this research contributes foundational data to the underdeveloped field of Maghrebi dialect stylistics, offering new insights into the aesthetic mechanisms of Algerian folklore and suggesting the potential for further cross-cultural stylistic comparisons.