Language Agenda: Lexical Ambiguity

Introduction
In a previous writeup, we started a discourse on AMBIGUITY and its major types. Today we continue the discourse from LEXICAL AMBIGUITY.

Lexical Ambiguity
This is the presence of two or more possible meanings of a word in a sentence. It is also called Semantic Ambiguity. Below are illustrative sentences:

* The fisherman went to BANK this morning. (Which BANK? River BANK for fishing or financial BANK for cash withdrawal?)

* Azinpaga, a pretty female player, is looking for a MATCH. (Which MATCH? A MATCH as a lover or a MATCH as a football game?)

* We are BEHIND General Achiri. (In which sense? Standing at the back of General Achiri or supporting him in a fight?)

* Sapashini is a man of PRIDE. (Which PRIDE? PRIDE as consciousness of dignity or PRIDE as a group of lions? Indeed, he could be a man with a group of lions which also means PRIDE).

Conclusion
It is instructive to state that Lexical Ambiguity is NOT an ERROR in all genres (types) of writing. While, it is NOT entertained in Academic Writing or Technical Writing, it remains a great style in Creative Writing. Besides, deliberate Lexical Ambiguity serves as a powerful tool for debaters and other public speakers to confuse opponents and bamboozle audiences. What is important is to understand it and apply it in the relevant context.

Abubakar Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo
Lecturer, University of Applied Management, Germany - Ghana Campus, McCarthy Hill, Accra.

Email: azindoo200@gmail