Abstract：Ambiguity refers to one form which includes one sound, word and sentence that has more than one meaning. Ambiguity exists in almost all languages. After analyzing a large number of examples, the author found that ambiguity widely exists in English language, sometimes hindering people’s communication. However, if the causes are known, ambiguity could be avoided and communication facilitated. On the other hand, ambiguity could also be applied to achieve positive language effects.    

This thesis is divided into three chapters. Chapter 1 is introduction, including definition, classification and universality of ambiguity, significance of this study and current studies at home and abroad. Chapter 2 analyzes types of ambiguity including unintentional, intentional, phonetic, lexical and structural ambiguity, its causes from phonetic, lexical and structural angles and its positive effects with respective examples and specific illustration. Chapter 3 provides strategies to avoid unintentional ambiguity. And the following is conclusion, which summarizes the general points of this paper.

Key words: English language; unintentional ambiguity; intentional ambiguity; causes; avoiding ambiguity

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

  1.1 Definition of ambiguity-1

  1.2 Significance of the study-2

  1.3 Studies at home and abroad-2

2. Types of ambiguity-4

  2.1 Unintentional ambiguity-5

     2.1.1 Phonetic ambiguity-5

          2.1.1.1 Homophones-6

          2.1.1.2 Perfect homonyms-7

          2.1.1.3 Linking of English speech-7

          2.1.1.4 Pause and stress-8

     2.1.2 Lexical ambiguity-8

          2.1.2.1 Polysemous words-9

          2.1.2.2 Changes of word meanings-10

          2.1.2.3 Different usage of the same words based on habits-11

          2.1.2.4 Deixis-12

     2.1.3 Structural ambiguity-13

          2.1.3.1 Undetermined subjects-14

          2.1.3.2 Undetermined attributes-16

          2.1.3.3 Undetermined adverbial modifiers-18

          2.1.3.4 Undetermined predicatives-19

          2.1.3.5 Undetermined negative sentences-19

          2.1.3.6 Undetermined elliptical sentences-21

          2.1.3.7 Possessive case of nouns-22

          2.1.3.8 Other undetermined structures-22

  2.2 Intentional ambiguity-22

     2.2.1 For euphemistic effect-23

     2.2.2 For humorous effect-24

     2.2.3 For ironic effect-25

     2.2.4 For attention-25

3. Strategies to avoid ambiguity-26

  3.1 Phonetic ambiguity.-26

     3.1.1 Using phonetic tools-26

  3.2 Lexical ambiguity-27

     3.2.1 Offering explanation-27

     3.2.2 Using synonyms for substitute-27

     3.2.3 Do as Romans do-27

  3.3 Structural ambiguity-28

     3.3.1 Adjusting word order.-28

     3.3.2 Uttering complete structures.-28

  3.4 The foremost principle-29

Conclusion-30

References-31

Acknowledgments-32