A Study Of Intentional Ambiguity And Its Translation Under Adaptation Theory

Ambiguity is universal in any language,which can be divided into unintentional ambiguity and intentional ambiguity according to the communicative effects and the intentions and the speakers.The former,a manifestation of linguistic contradiction which affects the communication activities,should be avoided and eliminated.As a special communicative strategy,intentional ambiguity can help language users effectively achieve their communicative purposes.At present,most researches on ambiguity focus on its definition,interpretation and classification,however,there still lacks in-depth understanding and systematic researches on how to use intentional ambiguity correctly and rationally.Based on the adaptation theory,this thesis studies the intentional ambiguity and its existing problems in communication,and analyzes the variability,negotiability and adaptability of intentional ambiguity.Furthermore,the translation strategies of intentional ambiguity are discussed on the basis of the concrete examples.The study shows that the using of intentional ambiguity is an ongoing process,in which the language users are dynamically adapting to the social context.The skillful use of intentional ambiguity can solve the awkwardness and disadvantages in communication,as well as make the expression more humorous and vivid so as to achieve a special communicative effect.This thesis proposes three translation methods of intentional ambiguity.During the translation,the translator should choose the appropriate responses of the speakers’ intentions,the context and the different cultural background by using one or more translation strategies.Chapter 1 delivers the object,significance and organization of this thesis.Chapter 2 reviews previous studies of intentional ambiguity both in China and abroad.Chapter 3 gives the background and main contents of the theory of adaptability.Chapter 4 analyzes variability,negotiability and adaptability of intentional ambiguity,and puts forward appropriate translation strategies.Chapter 5 summarizes the whole thesis,points out the limitations of the research,and gives some suggestions for further research.