Abstract: This study introduces the definition of English ambiguity, systematically introduces the classification of English ambiguity, lists some positive effects of English ambiguity, and expounds the close relationships between humor and English ambiguity, the emphasis being humorous effect. Meanwhile, this study gives examples of applying English ambiguity to make humorous effects in daily communication, aiming at a better understanding of the relationship between ambiguity and humor for readers, and analyzes the mechanism and conditions that humor emerges, which enables readers to have a good grasp of the way of skillfully applying ambiguity to produce some humorous effects, enriching their knowledge of the language, as well as improving their communicative competence, so as to add endless fun to people’s lives.

Key words: English ambiguity; humor; application

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.2

2.1 Definition of English Ambiguity2

2.2 Types of English Ambiguity.2

  2.2.1 Phonological Ambiguity .2

  2.2.2 Lexical Ambiguity 2

  2.2.3 Syntactic Ambiguity3 

  2.2.4 Pragmatic Ambiguity 3

3. Positive Effects of English Ambiguity and Humor .3

3.1 Eye-catching 3

3.2 Conciliatory3

  3.3 Persuasive.3

3.4 Humorous.4

4. Humor.4

  4.1 Definition.4

  4.2 Incongruity Theory4 

  4.3 Relationship with Ambiguity.5

4.3.1 Relevance Theory.5

4.3.2 Maximal Relevance and Optimal Relevance5

4.3.3 The Gap between Maximal Relevance and Optimal Relevance6

4.3.4 The Reasons for the Gap6

5. Application of Humorous Effect of English Ambiguity in Daily  Communication6

5.1 Phonological Ambiguity.6

  5.1.1 Intonation.6

  5.1.2 Homonymy7

    5.1.2.1 Complete Homonymy7

    5.1.2.2 Partial Homonymy.7

    5.1.2.3 False Homonymy.8

5.2 Lexical Ambiguity8 

  5.2.1 Word Polysemy8

  5.2.2 Parts of Speech9 

  5.2.3 Phrase Polysemy.9

5.3 Syntactic Ambiguity.9

  5.3.1 Deixis.9 5.3.2 Ellipsis.10

  5.3.3 Modifier.10

5.4 Pragmatic Ambiguity10

  5.4.1 Irony.10

  5.4.2 Presupposition.11

  5.4.3 Euphemism12

6. Conclusion12

Bibliography.14

Acknowledgements15