论英语歧义现象

On Ambiguity in the English Language

歧义是人们在使用语言的过程中经常遇到的问题,是个复杂的语言现象。它主要表现为语音歧义、词汇歧义和句法歧义。歧义又不同于模糊,它是可以通过具体的语境加以消除的。在传统语言学家看来,话语歧义有碍交流,但现代语言学家却不尽以为然。歧义现象既有消极的一面,又有其积极的一面。

Ambiguity is common to all natural languages, which chiefly reveals itself in areas of phonology, lexeme and syntax. Traditionally, ambiguity was considered to hinder communication, but is now viewed differently. This paper presents both the negative and positive aspects of ambiguity in English.