Ambiguity and Humour
Keywords:
Ambiguity, humour.
Abstract
Ambiguity has many positive effects on the three main elements of speech acts: speakers, message and code. In this paper, we will analyse one of the positive aspects related to semantic ambiguity: humour, which is often based on the ambivalence of certain units of speech. We will also establish three basic types of semantic opacity: ambiguity, fuzziness and generality. Our pragmatic approach will show how several mechanisms account for the way each one of these categories creates humour.Format
Crossmark
Published
2012-07-23
How to Cite
Mohamed Saad, S. (2012). Ambiguity and Humour. Anaquel de Estudios Árabes, 23, 19-44. https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_ANQE.2012.v23.39694
Issue
Section
Articles
License
In order to support the global exchange of knowledge, the journal Anaquel de Estudios Árabes is allowing unrestricted access to its content as from its publication in this electronic edition, and as such it is an open-access journal. The originals published in this journal are the property of the Complutense University of Madrid and any reproduction thereof in full or in part must cite the source. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 use and distribution licence (CC BY 4.0). This circumstance must be expressly stated in these terms where necessary. You can view the summary and the complete legal text of the licence.
