Abstract: The subject of this research is the peculiarity of syntactic constructions of Lezgain folk riddles. The object of this research is the aphoristic genre of Lezgian folklore – the riddles. Along with other folklore genres, riddles hold a remarkable place in the folklore poetics Lezgins, featuring prevalence of storytelling. The relevance the selected topic lies in the absence of specific research dedicated to comprehensive analysis of this genre of Lezgian folklore. The article illustrates the syntactic constructions of folk riddles of Lezgins. The conducted brief syntactic analysis is valuable for further research of this topic, since the linguistic aspect of studying folk riddles is yet to be explored. The scientific novelty is defined by the fact that Lezgian folk riddles, which are one of the ancient genres, require in-depth study. The conclusion is made that Lezgian folk riddles use mononuclear syntactic constructions to achieve concision in describing a propounded object or phenomenon. The interrogative or narrative sentences are commonly used. There are also riddles with compound syntactic structure. The acquired results can be used in the practical work of folklorists and linguists.

Abstract: The subject of this article is ashug art, namely improv singers. The object of this research is one of the genre varieties of ashug poetry – the dialogue songs. Roll songs hold a special place in non-ritualistic lyrical songs. With the historical development of the people, the contest songs stand out of the folklore poetry and take the form of riddles and solutions. These songs become a favorite genre of the Lezgin ashugs. Special attention is given to the transformation of the genre of folk riddles in the songs of ashug improvisators. Analysis is conducted on ideological-thematic diversity, as well as artistic distinctness of ashugs’ compositions. It is concluded that the poetic contest and dialogue songs, common in non-ritualistic lyrical songs of the Lezgins, received further development in the works of ashugs and improv singers. In later period, these songs appear in works of the classics of Lezgin poetry. The author's main contribution to this research consists in the analysis of ideological-thematic content and structure of poetic contest, presence of the genre of riddles therein, and as well determination of discrepancies between ashug riddles and folk riddles.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the prose works of A. A. Beztuzhev-Marlinsky related to Dagestan folklore and ethnography. The author attempts to demonstrate the reflection and transformation of Dagestan folklore in the Russian literature using the writer’s work as an example. The power and distinctness of Marlinsky’s talent consists in application of various means of artistic representation, including folklore, and translates hem in his manner and style. Using the descriptive, comparative and hermeneutic methods of analysis the author characterizes the moments in Marlynsky’s prose associated with the Dagestan folklore motifs and even some artifacts of folk art. This allowed revealing the semantic and expressive-visual function of folklore and ethnography in prose works of the writer. The “Dagestan” compositions of Marlinsky serve as a vivid example of cross-pollination through interaction between Russian literature and Dagestan folklore back in the early XIX century. The writer’s interest to Dagestan folklore and ethnography contributed to delving into the history of North-Caucasian peoples, peculiarities of their worldview and customs unfamiliar to the Russian readers. The scientific novelty consists in comprehensive analysis of Marlinsky’s Dagestan novels, which contributed to determination of specificities of expressing folklore origins and the principles of authorial interpretation.