Polissemia e ambiguidade - entenda a diferença

Summary

In this lesson, Professor Juju explains the difference between polysemy and ambiguity in language. Polysemy occurs when a word has multiple meanings depending on context, like 'cable' or 'bank.' Ambiguity arises when a sentence or expression can be interpreted in more than one way, either through structural or lexical ambiguity. The professor provides examples, such as the confusion caused by the word 'dish.' While ambiguity is considered an error in formal writing, it can be used creatively in poetry and literature. The class encourages understanding these concepts and applying them appropriately in various contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Polysemy refers to when a word has more than one meaning, used in different contexts.
• 😀 An example of polysemy is the word 'cable,' which can mean a television cable, a military rank, or a broken wire.
• 😀 Another example of polysemy is the word 'sleeve,' which can refer to a blouse sleeve or a sleeve for making jelly.
• 😀 The word 'bank' also has polysemous meanings, such as a financial institution, a riverbank, or a place to store something.
• 😀 Ambiguity is different from polysemy and occurs when a sentence or phrase has more than one possible meaning.
• 😀 Ambiguity is considered a language error, but it can be used creatively in literary and poetic language.
• 😀 There are two types of ambiguity: structural ambiguity and lexical ambiguity.
• 😀 Structural ambiguity happens when a word is misplaced in a sentence, causing multiple interpretations, like the sentence about the backpack.
• 😀 Lexical ambiguity happens when a word has multiple meanings within a context, such as the word 'dish,' which could refer to a plate or a type of food.
• 😀 In academic, journalistic, and casual language, ambiguity should be avoided to prevent confusion, though it can enhance creative expression in certain contexts.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the class?

The main topic of the class is the difference between polysemy and ambiguity in language.

What is polysemy?

Polysemy is when a word has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

Can you give an example of polysemy with the word 'cable'?

Yes, the word 'cable' can mean 'the cable of the swollen one broke', 'the soldier was promoted to corporal', or 'I need to buy a cable for the television'.

How is 'sleeve' an example of polysemy?

The word 'sleeve' can mean 'the sleeve of my blouse came unstitched', 'the sleeve of my blouse showed itself', or 'I need her to buy a sleeve to make a jelly'.

What does ambiguity refer to in language?

Ambiguity happens when a sentence, excerpt, or expression has more than one meaning or interpretation, leading to confusion.

What are the two types of ambiguity mentioned in the class?

The two types of ambiguity are structural ambiguity and lexical ambiguity.

What is structural ambiguity?

Structural ambiguity occurs when a word is misplaced in a sentence, causing it to have multiple meanings. For example, 'Fabiana asked José to get her backpack' can be interpreted as either Fabiana's or José's backpack.

Can you explain lexical ambiguity with an example?

Lexical ambiguity occurs when a word has multiple meanings within a context. For example, the word 'dish' could refer to a plate or a type of food.

Is ambiguity considered a mistake in language?

Yes, ambiguity is generally considered a language defect, but it is acceptable in poetic and lyrical language, as it allows authors greater creative freedom.

When should ambiguity be avoided?

Ambiguity should be avoided in academic, journalistic texts, and informal conversations to prevent confusion. However, it can be used creatively in artistic writing.