WORDPLAY AS AN INTERTEXTUALITY TOOL IN SONG DISCOURSE

Abstract

The article aims at the complex research of wordplay used in song discourse. The main objective of the research lies in the field of analyzing wordplay used in authentic English song texts that ensures an intertextual dialogue between the addresser (the author/performer of the song) and the addressee (the listener). More than 100 examples of the use of language play were selected using the continuous sampling method, and during the second step of categorizing, only those samples were selected that carry additional cultural information (46% of the total number). The analysis shows that the basis for intertextual dialogue in modern song texts can be direct references to historical and culturally significant figures, as well as allusions to mythology, music, literature, cinema works. It is also found that songwriters often rely on the rich intertextual encyclopedia of their listeners, as only some additional general knowledge of culture and history can help decipher wordplay used in the lyrics.