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

The Effect of Semantic Ambiguity on Second Language Learners' Comprehension

Diana Dian Sari Tampubolon (Unknown)
Damanik , Bernieke Anggita Ristia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the effect of semantic ambiguity on reading comprehension in second language (L2) learners. The type of research used is a literature study with a qualitative descriptive approach, which refers to various relevant sources that discuss lexical and structural ambiguity in the process of learning English as a foreign language. The findings in this study explain that semantic ambiguity significantly hinders reading comprehension, especially when learners encounter unfamiliar vocabulary or sentence structures with multiple meanings. Lexical ambiguity tends to be more difficult than structural ambiguity due to limited vocabulary acquisition and students' tendency to understand literal meaning. In addition, the lack of contextualized reading strategies exacerbates misunderstandings. Therefore, lessons that emphasize the practice of identifying and interpreting ambiguity, as well as strengthening inferential skills, are essential for improving reading comprehension ability in second language learning.

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, ...