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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The literary riddle in Swahili
Author:Harries, L.ISNI
Year:1971
Periodical:African Studies
Volume:30
Issue:3
Pages:259-276
Language:English
Geographic term:East Africa
Subjects:riddles
Swahili language
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/00020187108707362
Abstract:In view of the fact that the Arabs, who introduced works of Arab origin to East Africa, were not much interested in riddling, the Svahili, compared with other African tribal societies, are missing a strong tradition of riddling. Consequently the Svahili riddles are invariably from oral tradition with an African, not an Arabian, background. The literary riddle in Swahili seems to be an extension of the enigmatic dialogue verse, a notable feature of Swahili poetry. Six riddles are reproduced here in their original form with translation. Notes.
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