Structural Ambiguity in English: An Applied Grammatical Inventory

by Dallin D. Oaks

This is an innovative and accessible linguistic description of those features of the language that can be exploited to generate structural ambiguities. "The Anatomy of Ambiguity" is a major new scholarly work that provides an innovative and accessible linguistic description of those features of the language that can be exploited to generate structural ambiguities. Most pragmatics scholarship deals with disambiguation - the process of making what is ambiguous clear. This is the opposite. The techniques form the core of some of the best wordplays found in advertising, comedy, bumper stickers, greeting cards, T-shirt logos and other marketing. The book focuses on describing those features in the English language that may contribute towards the creation of structural ambiguities. Oaks utilizes a systematic and comprehensive inventory approach that identifies individual elements in the language and their distinctive behaviours, and how they can be manipulated in the creation of structural ambiguities. It is perfect for researchers and academics in the fields of pragmatics, logic and meaning, as well as providing a fascinating resource to those looking to learn how to build ambiguity into their language - such as those in advanced marketing, advertising and public relations.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2010