Abstract: Ambiguity is a universal linguistic phenomenon. It can not be obviated in language applications. To analyze and study it is of profound significance. Though ambiguity of language has a negative effect on people’s understanding of sentences, translation and communication, its positive effect may never be ignored. If we can skillfully use lexical ambiguity, the language can be more humorous and lively. Based on the existing achievements by scholars at home and abroad, this paper mainly focuses on the cognition of lexical ambiguity, its rhetorical functions and its active applications in news headlines to excavate its value of beauty.

    Key words: lexical ambiguity; applications; news headlines; positive effects; rhetorical functions

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

  1.1 Literature Review-1

  1.2 The Framework of the Thesis-2

  1.3 The Aim of the Thesis-2

2. The Cognition of Lexical Ambiguity-3

  2.1 A Brief Introduction of Lexical Ambiguity-4

  2.2 The Rhetorical Functions of Lexical Ambiguity-7

    2.2.1 Lexical Ambiguity and Pun-7

    2.2.2 Lexical Ambiguity and Simile and Metaphor-8

    2.2.3 Lexical Ambiguity and Metonymy and Synecdoche-9

    2.2.4 Lexical Ambiguity and Irony-10

3. Analysis of Lexical Ambiguity in News Headlines-11

  3.1 A Brief Introduction of News Headlines-11

  3.2 The Characteristics of Diction in News Headlines-12

  3.3 The Active Application of Lexical Ambiguity in News Headlines-13

    3.3.1 Puns in News Headlines-13

    3.3.2 Metaphor or Simile in News Headlines-14

    3.3.3 Metonymy and Synecdoche in News Headlines-15

    3.3.4 Irony in News Headlines-16

4. Conclusion-17

References-19