From Ambiguity to Clarity: Cognitive and Contextual Mechanisms in Language Resolution

Language ambiguity is a ubiquitous phenomenon in communication, which can significantly impact
the way individuals interpret and process information. The article addresses this question by exploring
the mechanisms involved in resolving language ambiguity, particularly in the form of puns, and
examining the cognitive stages required to comprehend ambiguous language. Through a series of eyetracking experiments, the paper outlines how lexical ambiguity triggers a multi-stage cognitive process that includes lexical access, semantic integration, incongruity detection, and eventual resolution. By integrating perspectives from psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, visual neuroscience, and cross-cultural communication, this study emphasizes the critical role the context plays in shaping cognitive language processing, particularly in the realm of written communication. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, the paper emphasizes the need for context-aware strategies to enhance communication practices in both everyday and professional contexts.
Keywords: language ambiguity; cognitive language processing; contextual cues; eye-tracking;
misunderstandings; multidisciplinary approach.