Ambiguity: A Form of Semantic Noise in Human Communication
Keywords:
Ambiguity, Communication, Language, Word level, Sentence level
Abstract
Competence in communication skills is indispensable for success at school and at work. Transceivers communicate with the desire to be understood. However, the English Language is inherently embedded with certain features which create ambiguity especially for those who adopt it as a second language. This paper examines the phenomenon of ambiguity in the English Language, its types and causes. Using copious examples, it elucidates the distortions and absurdities that could occur when factors which cause ambiguity in English are not given due consideration. It discusses as well the implication this situation has for the Nigerian educational system.
References
Chantree F. (undated) mcs.open.ac.uk/fjc44/Research/Published %20 papers/Chantree- CULK04.POF.
Egbe, D.I. 1996. Excellency in Written and Spoken English, Lagos: Longman Group (FE) Ltd.
Ezenwanebe, O.C. 2005. English for Effective Business Communication. Lagos: Apex Books Limited.
Heinemann Examination Success Series, Catch-up English Language for SSCE/UME 2002. Nigeria: Heinemann Educational Books, Plc.
Jegede O.T. 2004. “Phonetic Factors in the English Language as Determinants of Effective Communication Skills Development”, POLYCOM, Ibadan: Vol. 9, No 1, 35-45.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 2005. 4th Edition, England: Pearson Education Limited
Oloruntoba – Oju, T. 1999. “Sources of Ambiguity in Nigerian Newspapers Stories”. Journal of Communication and Language Arts, 1, 1, 1999, 58-70.
Ojebode, A.O. 2006. Development Communication, Ibadan. Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan.
Onayele, B. 1998. Contemporary English Usage, A reference Text for Colleges, Abeokuta: Jedidiah Publishers.
Egbe, D.I. 1996. Excellency in Written and Spoken English, Lagos: Longman Group (FE) Ltd.
Ezenwanebe, O.C. 2005. English for Effective Business Communication. Lagos: Apex Books Limited.
Heinemann Examination Success Series, Catch-up English Language for SSCE/UME 2002. Nigeria: Heinemann Educational Books, Plc.
Jegede O.T. 2004. “Phonetic Factors in the English Language as Determinants of Effective Communication Skills Development”, POLYCOM, Ibadan: Vol. 9, No 1, 35-45.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 2005. 4th Edition, England: Pearson Education Limited
Oloruntoba – Oju, T. 1999. “Sources of Ambiguity in Nigerian Newspapers Stories”. Journal of Communication and Language Arts, 1, 1, 1999, 58-70.
Ojebode, A.O. 2006. Development Communication, Ibadan. Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan.
Onayele, B. 1998. Contemporary English Usage, A reference Text for Colleges, Abeokuta: Jedidiah Publishers.
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