ANDREEA TEODORESCU
Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu
Abstract
The paper analyses the concept of language ambiguity from the perspective of its
relationship to the idea of intentionality. Speakers and writers can make use of
language ambiguity either deliberately or unintentionally. The article examines
instances when ambiguity is used intentionally, with a view to achieving various
purposes, such as humour, sarcasm, literary discourse, etc. There are, on the
other hand, instances when people use language ambiguity unintentionally, which
may result in misunderstanding and miscommunication. Relevant examples of both
kinds of ambiguity are provided for illustration.
Keywords:
language ambiguity, intentional vs. unintentional
ambiguity, newspaper headlines, puns, advertisements
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