YJSSH
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Semantic Ambiguity and Its Impact on Language Interpretation in Legal Discourse

Sara Stefani Malau (Unknown)
Damanik , Bernieke Anggita Ristia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Aug 2025

Abstract

Semantic ambiguity remains a critical challenge in both linguistic theory and practical applications, especially in domains demanding high interpretive precision such as legal discourse. This study aims to examine the nature, sources, and implications of semantic ambiguity by integrating perspectives from cognitive linguistics, legal hermeneutics, and cross-cultural pragmatics. Employing a qualitative analytical method, data were drawn from legal case studies, discourse analysis, and comparative linguistic literature. The findings reveal that ambiguity often arises from polysemy, syntactic complexity, cultural frameworks, and pragmatic inference. In legal contexts, such ambiguity can significantly influence judicial outcomes and the interpretation of statutes. The study suggests that applying systematic semantic analysis and interdisciplinary interpretive models can minimize misinterpretation and promote fairness in communication. These results contribute to advancing theoretical insights in meaning studies while offering practical strategies for mitigating ambiguity in critical decision-making contexts.

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, ...