Lexical and Structural Ambiguity in Tiv Discourse

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Article 8 Jan2020.pdf (1.14 MB)

Date

2020-01-28

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DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH FACULTY OF ARTS NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI

Abstract

This study investigates ambiguity in Tiv discoui'se with focus on lexical and structural ambiguity. Ambiguity connotes a situation where a word or sentence has more than one meaning or interpretation; and lexical ambiguity is a type of ambiguity created by a particular lexical item or lexical unit (a word). Ambiguity affects communication, where meaning is distorted between a speaker and a listener, leading to misinterpretation and misunderstanding. This study examines ambiguity occasioned by lexical item, sentence structure, homonymy, polysemy and sense of a word. It unveils instances of such ambiguities in Tiv and highlights appropriate choice of words and the role of context in ensuring disambiguation in Tiv discourse. This is done, in order to engender effective communication in Tiv as well as to contribute to the development of the Tiv language.

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Keywords

Ambiguity, Lexical Ambiguity, Structural Ambiguity, Tiv.

Citation

Akvvanya, A. (2002). Semantics and discourse theories of meaning and textual analysis. Enugu: ACENA Publishers. Crystal, D. (1987). The Cambridge encyclopaedia of language. New York: Cambridge University Press. Crystal, D. (2008).^ dictionary of linguistics and phonetics, (6thed.). London: Blackwell. Ejele, P.E. (2003). Semantics, lexical structure and lexical relations. Port Harcourt: University of Port Harcourt Press. Fromkin, V.& Rodman, R.(i993). An introduction to language (s^ed.). Fortworth: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Hymes, D.H. (1972). Towards communicative competence. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

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https://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/3206

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