YJSSH
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Semantic Ambiguity Affects Interpretation in Everyday Conversations

Lumbantobing, Sarah Theodora Wahyuni (Unknown)
Bernieke Anggita Ristia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Jul 2025

Abstract

Semantic ambiguity is a pervasive feature of natural language that arises when words, phrases, or sentences carry multiple possible interpretations. This study aims to explore the nature, types, and communicative implications of semantic ambiguity in everyday conversations through a descriptive qualitative approach and library research method. Findings indicate that semantic ambiguity manifests in lexical, structural, and pragmatic forms, which may cause confusion if not resolved using contextual cues, prosodic elements, or clarification strategies. However, ambiguity is not merely a communication obstacle it also serves as a rhetorical device in humor, advertising, indirect speech, and cross-cultural interactions. Understanding how ambiguity operates in language enhances our awareness of context, social dynamics, and cultural variation in meaning-making. This study contributes to the field of linguistics by emphasizing the importance of pragmatic competence and interpretive flexibility in effective communication.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

yjssh

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (YJSSH) is an academic journal which focuses on social and humanistic issues, both of a conceptual and an empirical nature. The journal uses a multidisciplinary perspective with a focus on the main issue. The journal is open to all to contribute to it, ...