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1、To Treat Ambiguity Properly正确对待英语歧义现象刘杰伟Abstract: Ambiguity is an inevitable language phenomenon that arouses current interest of many linguists. The present paper attempts to make a tentative analysis of ambiguity which is subdivided into phonological/phonetic ambiguity, lexical/semantic ambiguity,
2、 structural/grammatical ambiguity and pragmatic ambiguity based on its different causes. To treat ambiguity properly, the author points out that ambiguity is both a problem to avoid and an award to make use of. Thus several possible means to disambiguate are suggested, mainly attributed to achieveme
3、nts in the study of context. Meanwhile, the application of ambiguity is introduced in various domains to display its positive functions. Then a natural conclusion is arrived at that we shall treat ambiguity dialectically and properly.Key Words: ambiguity; causes; context; disambiguate; application 摘
4、要：歧义作为一种普遍存在的语言现象，已经受到语言研究者的日渐关注。本文利用前人在句法、语义和语用平面所取得的研究成果，试对这一语言现象进行研究分析。为更好认识歧义、对待歧义，作者在简介歧义的定义和分类后，从语音、语义、语法、语用四个方面分析英语歧义现象的成因；在此基础上，针对歧义现象的消极作用总结消除歧义的可能方法，并针对其积极作用指出歧义现象在各个领域中的利用。进而作者得出本文的结论，要辩证地看待歧义现象，对其消极作用尽量避免，而积极作用则加以利用。关键词：歧义；成因；语境；消除；利用1. IntroductionLanguage is a system of arbitrary vocal
5、 symbol used for human communication. It might be regarded imprecise concerning the ubiquity of ambiguity, which inevitably arises mainly out of the intrinsic arbitrariness and conventionality of language, as well as contextual factors. Ever since the philosopher Charles Morris (1938) introduces the
6、 trichotomy of syntax, semantics and pragmatics, language study has been advancing on the three levels mentioned above. In this paper, we attempt to exert our best efforts to analyze ambiguity from four aspects, namely phonology, semantics, syntax and pragmatics. 1.1. Definition of AmbiguityAmbiguit
7、y refers to a word, phrase, sentence or group of sentences with more than one possible interpretation or meaning in a given context. An ambiguous expression can be potentially understood in two or more ways. As Geoffrey N. Leech puts it, Ambiguity is the case of “more than one cognitive meaning for
8、the same piece of language.” (1969)1.2. Classification of AmbiguityVarious criteria are found to classify ambiguity.Based on different causes of ambiguity, it can be classified into phonological/phonetic ambiguity, lexical/semantic ambiguity, structural/grammatical ambiguity, and pragmatic ambiguity
9、. While the former three are regarded from a static point of view as linguistic ambiguity, the latter one, as extra-linguistic ambiguity, falls within the perspective of dynamic level. We can also divide ambiguity into deliberate/intentional ambiguity and non-deliberate/unintentional ambiguity, when
10、 the communicators intentions and the effect thus occurred are taken into consideration as main factors.2. Causes of Ambiguity To treat ambiguity properly, we are supposed to analyze firstly the possible causes of different types of ambiguity. The most popular classification is employed in the follo
11、wing analysis, i.e. phonological/phonetic ambiguity, lexical/semantic ambiguity, structural/grammatical ambiguity, and pragmatic ambiguity. 2.1. Phonological/Phonetic AmbiguityPhonological ambiguity generally occurs in spoken language, where the utterance is conveyed and received by different breath
12、-groups rather than syllable by syllable or word by word. Therefore, phonological ambiguity is frequently caused by factors as follows:2.1.1. AssimilationAssimilation, a process by which neighboring sounds influenced each other, often occurs across syllable or word boundaries, especially in quick sp
13、eech. The “theory of least effort” suggests that man in speech tends to exert as little effort as possible, as a result of which assimilation or co-articulation takes place frequently because our places of articulation usually vary as little as possible to save effort.Therefore, grade A and grey day
14、 have the same pronunciation in oral English; and She is a nice girl is not necessarily a compliment as the addresser may be saying She is an ice girl. And a wisecrack runs as follows:A fishermans business makes him sell fish (selfish). The addressee may be confused as to the certain connection betw
15、een a fishermans business and his character, especially if the stress and rhythm of sell fish are not distinctively uttered.2.1.2. HomophonesHomophones, one type of partial homonyms, are words identical in sound but different in spelling and meaning. English as a phonograph is particularly rich in h
16、omophones, for example, bear, bare; son, sun; principal, principle; ensure, insure; dear, deer, etc.“Mine is a long and a sad tale!” said the Mouse, turning to Alice and sighing.“Its a long tail, certainly,” said Alice, looking down with wonder at the Mouses tail; “but why do you call it sad?” (Lewis Carrol: Alices Adventure in Wonderland)“Tale” and “tail” are homophones that are pronounced the same way, so Ali
