Language play in British animalistics in the second half of the 20th century

Language play is a common device in literary works. The article studies language play in British animal studies in the second half of the 20 th century. We analyze how British writers use language to create images of animals and to convey their characteristics. The article examines various techniques of language play, such as puns, metaphors, comparisons, etc. We also draw attention to how language play helps create a unique style of narration and conveys the peculiarities of British culture. The article will be of interest to literary researchers, as well as to anyone interested in British culture and literature of the 20 th century. In this article, we trace how language play is realized in the works of British animal writers such as Gerald Durrell, Richard Adams and Harry Kilworth. Depicting two parallel developing worlds – the human and the animal one, British animalists endow the latter not only with psychological characteristics, but also with their own language. As a result, their world is perceived as a certain civilization with its own cultural characteristics, which can serve as an example for humanity.