ปริศนาคำทาย: กลไกทางภาษาและภูมิปัญญาแบบไทย (Riddles: Linguistic Devices and Thai Wisdom)

Abstract

This article aims at studying Linguistic Devices used in the current riddles. The data include 400 questions from 4 popular websites on Internet. It shows that Linguistic Devices adopted in 2 devices: 1) Linguistic Device in form and sound that is Pun, Anagram, Character code and Foreign language. 2) Linguistic Device in Meaning such as Double Entendre, Hyperbole, Metaphor, Modification, Cohesion and play on idiom. Behind Linguistic Devices and Contents in Riddles are Incongruous form (Incongruity Theory) which not only amuses players but also distinctly expresses social, cultural, perceptive aspects and characteristics of Thai people.