Language and Communication

Although ambiguity results in miscommunication, we sometimes use ambiguity to have a humorous effect. This is because some of the possible interpretations of an ambiguous sentence can lead to absurdity. 

For instance, ambiguity is used in puns.  A pun is a joke that makes a play on words by using a word that suggests two or more meanings (homonym) or by using similar-sounding words with different meanings (homophones).

A homonym is each of two or more words having the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings and origins.  An example of the use of the homonym “pen” in a pun is as follows:

• “What is in the pen? Blue ink?”
• “No, the child is in the pen.”

Here, the person asking the question is referring to a pen which is an instrument for writing or drawing with ink.  The person answering the question, on the other hand, is referring to a pen which is a small enclosure in which someone or something can be confined.  The resultant effect is absurd and humorous as a child cannot physically be in a pen used for writing.

A homophone is each of two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins or spelling.  An example of the use of the homophones “die” and “dye” in a pun is as follows:

• “Did the sick man die yesterday?”
• “Yes, and he is using another dye now.”

Here, the person asking the question is referring to death which is the loss of life.  The person answering the question, on the other hand, is referring to a dye which is a substance used to add a colour to or change the colour of something.  The resultant effect is absurd and humorous as a dead man cannot be involved in an action of using a dye.

Ambiguity is used as a literary device by writers for intensity and intricacy.  In poetry and prose the use of ambiguity invites the reader to further reflect on the subject matter in order to decipher the meaning.

Quote

“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.”

– Aristotle, Greek philosopher, (384 BC – 322 BC)

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