ABSTRACT

This study is a pragmatic analysis of Edo riddle. The aim of this study were to identify and categorize Edo riddles into literal and metaphorical riddles and to examine the role of context and culture in interpreting Edo riddles. Oral interview and document observation constituted the method of data collection. The study uses a qualitative research design. Data collected were analysed descriptively using relevance theory. The findings of the study were;to identify, select and categorize Edo riddles into literal riddles which are understood from the words constituted in them and other simplicity in linguistic and logic form, andmetaphorical riddles which are interpreted and understood based on context and cultural knowledge. It also found out that both children and adults take part in the riddling process. The study further revealed that context and cultural knowledge play a major role in interpreting and understanding Edo riddles. It concludes that imagery employed in the riddles shortens and delivers the thought forcefully and also makes it easy for riddles to remain in one’smind.