Keywords

Linguistics, English, Grammar, structural ambiguities

Abstract

English is a language with many possibilities for wordplay, and word lay has been exploited by entertainers and advertisers. At times it involves simple puns, and at other times complex structural plays on words. Important developments in the history of the English language contribute to the current possibilities for word play. This article will examine some of these developments that have contributed specifically to wordplay involving structural ambiguities.

Original Publication Citation

"Historical Roots of Structural Ambiguities in English: A Survey of Some Selected Grammatical Features." General Linguistics 36:1-2 (1998 [1996]). 59-70.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1996

Publisher

Pennsylvania State University Press

Language

English

College

Humanities

Department

Linguistics

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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Linguistics Commons

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