Comprehension: Ambiguity

Assignments / Blog 30%

Mid-Term Exam 30%

Final Exam 40%

Why is this important?

• To always seek precision and clarity

• To detect biases or ‘slanting’ of the truth

• To not be deceived by language

• To ensure we have obtained the fullest (and most truthfully intended) meaning possible

Ambiguity

Semantics

• We saw her duck

• Prostitutes appeal to Pope

• Squad helps dog bite victim

• Killer sentenced to die for second time in 10 years

UNCLEAR USE

• Susan read the letter Yvonne wrote while she was on the bus

• When I see the cartoon camel smoking it is no big deal

• NO SMOKING ROOMS AVAILABLE

• Eye drops off shelf

• Susan enjoys playing with her dolls more than Mary

Vague Language

• Call today and save up to 45% on movie tickets

• The lecture today was very boring

• Everybody doesn’t like me!

All? Every? Never?

How / Who / What Specifically?

Compared to what / whom?

What would happen if we DIDN’T do

this?

Why specifically are we doing this?

[criticisms / complaints]

[generalisations]

[motivations]

[universals / absolutes]

[evaluation / re-thinking]

Layers of Meaning

Layers of Meaning

• Denotation

• Designation

• Connotation

Emotive Language

Most people, when visiting our campus, say Wexford feels like a college should feel: warm and welcoming – a community atmosphere. Wexford’s faculty and staff form the kind of close relationships with students that challenge them to their full potential. Students appreciate the personal attention in the classroom, the relatively small classes, and the dedicated faculty. Our residence halls provide a sense of family from your first days here. You will find activities to suit your personal style, from the performing arts and competititve sports to volunteer service and student-run orgnisations.

Students are involved and enjoy being at Wexford. Nearly nine of every ten freshment return for their sophomore year – well above the natoinal average. Parents and students comment frequently on how friendly and professional the people are at Wexford.

From our innovative freshman orietnation program to the ongoing support for planning a career, you will find your four years at Wexford marked by a sincere interest in both your personal and your academic growth.

6Ways to Mis-Use Emotive Language

Stereotyping

Euphemism & Dyphemism

• Change bad to good (euphemism)– ‘retarded’– ‘pornography’– ‘post-man’– ‘divorced’

• Change good to bad (dyphemism)– ‘noticed’– ‘leader’– ‘eat’– ‘perform’

Hyperbole

Sarcasm / Irony

• “Yeah, right.”

• “Sure, some people are always correct.”

• “Do I like Najib? Of course, who wouldn’t?”

Persuasive Comparison

• Going to class is like going to prison…

• Being religious is as bad as being brain-washed

• Don’t be so generous, especially to the homeless – that’s like paying them to continue begging!

• Using a condom is like eating a sweet with the wrapper…

Critical Thinking thus far…

• Extracting Theme, Issue, Author’s Position, Supporting Points, etc.

• Learning New Words

• Distinguishing Statements from other Sentences

• Identifying Facts/Opinions, Connotations

• Discerning Ambiguity, Meaning and Emotive Language